A federal judge has indefinitely delayed plans for a new tribal casino in Sonoma County, California, granting a temporary restraining order requested by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.

Judge Rita Lin of California's Northern District Court ruled that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) may have rushed its review of the Koi Nation's ancestral claims to 68 acres near Windsor, where they planned to build a casino resort.

The proposed casino project includes:

• 114,000-square-foot casino with 2,750 slot machines and 105 table games
• 400-room hotel
• Spa facilities
• Five restaurants
• Retail shopping
• Convention space

The restraining order prevents the Department of Interior from taking the land into federal trust until a January 9 hearing, where representatives from all parties will present additional arguments. The order is expected to remain in effect through January 20.

The Graton Rancheria tribe, which operates the nearby Graton Hotel & Casino, claims the Koi Nation is "reservation shopping" - seeking land in economically advantageous areas without legitimate ancestral ties.

Local opposition to the project centers on infrastructure concerns, with residents worried about water resources and the growing concentration of casinos along Highway 101. A site survey found only one piece of obsidian and no human remains on the property.

The case's timing coincides with the upcoming administration change, which could impact the project's future, as previous administrations have reversed tribal land trust decisions.

Related Articles

Previous Articles