A federal judge has put a hold on the Koi Nation’s plans to build a $600 million casino resort close to Windsor, California. Judge Rita F. Lin made this call, which stops the US Department of the Interior from making a final decision about putting the land into trust. This pause will last until the department executes further consultation with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (Graton Rancheria) about the site’s cultural and historical value, reported The Press Democrat.
Court Halts Koi Nation Casino Project Amid Graton Rancheria Lawsuit
The court issued a restraining order after Graton Rancheria sued to stop the casino project. The tribe claims the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) failed to consider its ancestral connections to the land or discuss the archaeological findings at the Shiloh site. Government lawyers fought back saying Graton Rancheria had a voice throughout the process and rejected claims of poor oversight.
The Koi Nation bought the Shiloh site in 2021, which has caused a lot of debate. The Koi Nation says the area is part of its old trading routes and shows its long-time links to Sonoma County. However, critics, including Graton Rancheria, say the tribe does not have strong historical connections to the Windsor area. Graton Rancheria calls the Koi Nation’s plans “casino shopping,” saying the project is just looking for a chance and is far from its ancestral lands in Lake County.
The court’s decision arrives during a 30-day period for public feedback on the Final Environmental Impact Statement that the BIA published in late November. This ruling puts a stop to this schedule leaving open questions about whether the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s administration, which ends in January, will give federal approval to the Koi Nation for the project.
Residents Voice Opposition to Planned Casino Resort
People living near the planned casino location have expressed worries about possible negative effects such as more traffic, crime, and pressure on wildfire escape routes in the area prone to fires. Local leaders and state officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, have also stood against the development seeing it as not in line with the Koi Nation’s ancestral claims.
The Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma backs the project and plans to build and run the Shiloh Resort and Casino. The proposed complex is going to feature a 400-room hotel, a gaming area with 2,750 slot machines and 105 table games, and entertainment venues.Judge Lin has set a January 9 hearing to consider the matter further. Before then, the Department of the Interior needs to reevaluate the project’s potential impact on historic sites and discuss the project further with Graton Rancheria.
