August 18, 2005
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), U.S. Department of the Interior, announced today the beginning of a 45-day public comment period for a resort and casino project in Cascade Locks, Oregon proposed by the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon (Tribes).
To develop the resort and casino, the Tribes seek a fee-to-trust transfer of approximately 25 acres and approval of transportation system improvements to provide access to the proposed development. Among the improvement alternatives to be studied is a new Interstate 84 (I-84) interchange. In accordance with requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), BIA is preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) to assess the potential impacts of the Tribes' proposal and alternatives to that proposal.
The purpose of the 45-day public comment period, which ends September 30, 2005, is to identify potential issues to analyze in the EIS, alternatives to the Tribal proposal, and possible positive and negative effects of the project.
Four public open houses will be held during the comment period. Although these will not be formal public hearings, court recorders will be available to record statements attendees may wish to make. Maps, background information and staff will be available to present information and answer questions. Refreshments will be provided. The open houses are scheduled for:
Thursday, September 15, 2005
6 - 8:30 p.m.
Port of Cascade Locks Gorge Pavilion, Marine Park
355 Wa-Na-Pa Street
Cascade Locks, Oregon
Presentations: 6:30 and 7:30 pm
Saturday, September 17, 2005
9:30 am - Noon
Port of Cascade Locks Gorge Pavilion, Marine Park
355 Wa-Na-Pa Street
Cascade Locks, Oregon
Presentations: 10 and 11 am
Monday, September 19, 2005
5 - 8 p.m.
Benson High School, Cafeteria
546 NE 12th Avenue
Portland, Oregon
Presentations: 6 and 7 pm
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
6 - 8:30 p.m.
Hood River Inn, Gorge Room
1108 East Marina Way
Hood River, Oregon
Presentations: 6:30 and 7:30 pm
Interested parties can also comment on the project by September 30, 2005 by:
-
Submitting a comment using the project web site, www.gorgecasinoEIS.com.
- Mailing or faxing a letter to: June Boynton, Bureau of Indian Affairs; 911 NE 11th Avenue; Portland, OR 97232; Fax: 503-231-2201. Note: BIA does not currently have e-mail access.
Comments received during this comment period will be considered during preparation of a Draft EIS, which is expected to be available for public review in Winter, 2005/06. Another public comment period, including open houses and other public review opportunities, will be provided at that time. Comments received on the Draft EIS will be considered in the preparation of a Final EIS, which is scheduled for completion in Spring/Summer 2006. A recommended action will then be forwarded by BIA to the Secretary of the Interior. If approved, construction of the resort and casino is expected to begin in early 2008.
For more information, please see the project Web site at www.gorgecasinoEIS.com or contact:
- Jim Owens, 503/225-0192, for information about public and agency involvement and the NEPA process.
- June Boynton, 503/231-6749, for information about the fee-to-trust process and BIA requirements.
- Terry Buchholz, 503/423-3743, for information about the EIS.
- Ed Manion, 541/553-1286, for information about the Tribal resort and casino proposal.
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