Washington: First tribal casino project in Tri-Cities enters crucial federal approval phase

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation are advancing plans to construct Tri-Cities' inaugural tribal casino. The proposed endeavor enters now a pivotal phase in the federal approval process.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), tasked with reviewing the Colville proposal, has scheduled a virtual public meeting on April 24 at 6 p.m. to gather feedback on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project. Interested parties are invited to submit written comments by May 3.

Environmental impact assessments, mandated by federal law for certain projects, serve to delineate the potential impact of a proposed initiative on its surrounding environment. The Colville tribe envisions the development of a casino spanning 184,200 square feet, featuring a 200-room hotel, an event center, restaurants, and ancillary facilities.

A critical aspect of the project involves the conversion of 165 acres of Colville-owned land situated off Highway 395 and Kartchner Street, just north of the King City Truck Stop, into a federal trust. This intricate process, known as the "Fee-to-Trust" procedure, facilitates the establishment of casinos, hotels, restaurants, and associated enterprises on non-reservation sites, as stipulated by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.

In a strategic move, the Colville tribe acquired four parcels totaling over 180 acres of Pasco farmland in 2019, earmarking the site for the construction of a new iteration of its 12 Tribes casino franchise in Tri-Cities, alongside potential amenities such as a travel plaza and water park. 

With its headquarters about 75 miles away in Ritzville, the tribe currently operates three 12 Tribes casinos in Omak, Lake Chelan, and Coulee Dam, contributing to the economic upliftment of its around 8,700 members.

However, the project has not been immune to criticism, notably from the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. Citing territorial concerns grounded in an 1855 treaty, the Yakama tribe opposes the Colville plan, contending that the proposed casino infringes upon their ceded territory. 

In response, the Colville assert Pasco as the traditional homeland of several constituent tribes, including the Palus, underscoring their commitment to addressing objections through the federal review process.

The future site of the casino is located near North Capitol Avenue, adjacent to the Kartchner exit and north of the AutoZone warehouse. Currently, the tribes operate a modest visitor center in a trailer on one of the parcels, situated across from Love's Truck Stop.

While private casinos dot the Tri-Cities landscape, tribal operations have been notably absent thus far. Wildhorse Casino and Resort, managed by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation, lies near Pendleton, Oregon, while Legends Casino & Hotel in Toppenish is operated by the Yakama tribe.