The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians is facing a major setback as the Department of the Interior just ruled against its new casino plan. The tribe expressed deep disappointment and noted that it plans to dispute this decision in court.
DOI Says the Scotts Valley Lacked a Significant Connection to the Land
Last Friday, the DOI and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs William Kirkland III ruled on the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians’ casino plan in Vallejo, California. According to them, the tribe lacked the significant historical connection to the land required for the project.
Kirkland said that due to that fact, the Vallejo parcel does not qualify as restored lands per the IGRA law. The secretary concluded that this means that the tribe cannot conduct gaming on this land.
For reference, the Scotts Valley’s proposal sought to construct a large 160-acre casino complex. The casino, which was the project’s highlight, would have been a 24/7 venue, offering locals and tourists the chance to game whenever they like.
In addition to a gaming hall, the project would have erected a tribal administrative building, 24 single-family residences, and a parking garage. In addition to that, 45 acres would have been set aside for a preserve.
The Tribe Was Disappointed, But Competitors Rejoiced
The tribe was quick to respond to the decision, expressing deep disappointment in the ruling. The Scotts Valley’s chair, Shawn Davis, said that his team is prepared to take the matter to federal court.
The administrative record overwhelmingly supports the Tribe’s gaming eligibility. We will move quickly to challenge the decision in federal court.
Shawn Davis, chair, Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians
The DOI and Kirkland’s ruling mark the start of a new set of difficulties for the Scotts Valley’s embattled project. For reference, the Vallejo casino has firmly been opposed by competitor tribes, which suggested that the Scotts Valley could deprive local Patwin tribes of their ancestral land.
One of these competitor tribes, the Lytton Rancheria of California, hailed the DOI and Kirkland’s decision to block the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians’ casino ambitions. However, the former tribe acknowledged that the matter is still far from over.