After more than two years of waiting, the Spokane Tribe — and the city and county that share its name — may know soon whether it will get the federal go-ahead to build a casino, hotel and shopping mall on the West Plains.
Several government sources said Thursday they have been told to expect a decision from the U.S. Department of the Interior in the near future, although no date has been set for the announcement. The Bureau of Indian Affairs office in Portland said the decision remains in the hands of officials in Washington, D.C.
The federal decision is not the final word on the casino. It would need a gaming compact between the tribe and the state, which would have to be approved by Gov. Jay Inslee. He has said he will wait for the report from the bureau before making a decision. The governor’s office was told earlier this week the Interior Department decision could come soon but was not given a firm date.
The tribe is proposing an economic development project to be built on tribal land across U.S. Highway 2 from Fairchild Air Force Base. It would be the second casino and hotel complex on the West Plains. The Kalispel Tribe’s Northern Quest Resort and Casino is on the other side of Airway Heights.
