Washington Casino Impact Study Criticized

As reported by the Longview Daily News: "A draft environmental impact study fails to adequately assess the effects the Cowlitz Indian's casino would have on Cowlitz County, the county commissioners said this week.

"For one thing, the study does not evaluate the impact on public services and government budgets if many of the casino workers settle in the county.

"…The study found that the $510 million casino complex would employ up to 3,151 people, 90 percent of whom likely already live in Clark or Cowlitz counties.

"The commissioners wrote about their concerns in a July 13 letter to the U.S. Department of Interior, the parent agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

"…The Cowlitz tribe has signed an agreement with Clark County, promising to help pay for any increased utilities, roads, law enforcement, fire protection and gambling addiction costs caused by the complex. The tribe has no such agreement with Cowlitz County…"

2006-07-17