UPPER LAKE — According to Sherry Treppa, chairperson of the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribal Council, the tribe”s casino development is, “Currently at a standstill.”
The federally recognized tribe is currently waiting on a decision on the approval of the tribe”s Tribal-State compact, or agreement, by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Treppa said. The DOI can either give the tribe approval or disapproval of the Tribal-State compact. The DOI can also deem the casino approved, Treppa said, after 45 days, if no action providing additional information is taken.
According to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), the National Indian Gaming Commission was established within the DOI. Under IGRA, a Tribal-State compact must be approved by the Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission in order for Class III gaming activities to be lawful on Indian land.
The Tribe went through the State ratification process, Treppa said, where in which the tribe acquired the Tribal-State compact, allowing the tribe to obtain a Class III gaming license. The compact was ratified through the state legislature and later signed by the governor.
According to Pamela Mares of the California Gambling Control Commission, further information about the tribe is protected by the Gambling Control Act and Tribal-State Compacts.
The tribe”s casino construction, Treppa said, stopped in mid-February, and the tribe is anticipating, “To be back in the ground by July.”
