Last June 15, the U.S. Department of Interior, after a long and comprehensive study, ruled that the Spokane Tribe’s proposed casino, hotel and shopping mall complex on tribal land near Fairchild Air Force Base would benefit the tribe. However, the final decision rests with Washington Governor Jay Inslee, who has not yet said if he will allow the development—nor has he given a timeline for a determination. Recently at a press conference, Inslee said he will make that decision “when we make that decision, and at the right time. I can’t give you a specific date.”
According to federal law, Inslee has one year from the Interior Department’s announcement, but he also could request an additional six months to make his decision. That 18-month period would extend past the 2016 election in which Inslee will seek a second term.
Both the Spokane Tribe and the Kalispel Tribe—which operates a casino and opposes the Spokane Tribe’s proposal–gave Inslee $3,600 in his 2012 campaign, the maximum contribution allowed.
