The Spokane Tribe has prevailed over an attempt by the Kalispel Tribe and Spokane County to reverse a U.S. Department of Interior decision that approved the Spokane’s competing casino in Washington State. In operation since January 2018, Spokane Tribe Casino is situated in Airway Heights, less than three miles from the Kalispel Tribe’s Northern Quest Resort and Casino.
“We are thrilled that the United States District Court affirmed the Department of Interior’s approval of our gaming application for our reservation,” said Carol Evans, chairwoman of the Spokane Tribal Council. “The court’s decision rests on rock solid judicial and agency precedent.”
The Kalispel Tribe had sued the DOI in attempt to prevent the new development, but Judge Fremming Nielsen dismissed the case on Friday, determining Spokane casino would not have a long-term negative impact on Northern Quest:
“The Tribe’s Northern Quest Casino and Resort currently conducts class II gaming. Potential adverse impacts to the Kalispel Tribe’s casino will be mitigated as described in the Final EIS. As discussed in more detail below, the Kalispel Tribe’s Northern Quest Casino and Resort will experience some market decline, but that decline will be mitigated by the length of time it takes to construct and develop the Spokane Tribe’s Project, and will likely recover over time as the market grows with the introduction of a second casino in the area.”
The Kalispel Tribe had contended the BIA review process was incomplete and unsatisfactory. “Unfortunately, because the BIA ignored our comments and extensive expert analysis during its decision-making process, legal action is the only avenue available to us to protect a sustainable economic future for our people,” Kalispel Executive Director of Public and Governmental Affairs Curt Holmes said in 2017.
Meanwhile, Spokane County also sued the DOI, claiming that Interior didn’t properly consult the county and failed to fully consider impacts to Fairchild Air Force Base Operations. Judge Nielsen asserted the government sought input from Air Force officials. “The Air Force expressed no qualms about the proposed casino,” Nielsen wrote, adding that the Tribe agreed to restrict building height to 60 feet despite its permissions to build higher.
The $40 million, phase 1 of Spokane Tribe Casino opened with 450 slot machines, 12 gaming tables, restaurants, and bars. The Tribe intends to expand the prospective $400 million attraction, which it says is vital to increase economic development and create local jobs. The reservation struggles with a 50 percent unemployment rate.
