Group Sues Over California Casino's Water UsageTribal Gambling Facility Is Target In Series Of Lawsuits |
|
A tribal casino in California is facing a court challenge to its $160 million expansion from a group that says it will use too much extra water.
The Chumash Casino Resort, a full-scale casino from the Santa Ynez band of Chumash Indians, is planning to open its expansion, which includes a 12-story hotel tower, on May 20. However, Save the Valley, the group fighting it, filed a lawsuit earlier this month against California, Santa Barbara County, and the Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District in an effort to block the opening, according to Courthouse News Service.
Though the tribe has operated the casino-resort on its land for over a decade, the group says a deed restriction on the land prevents the water being used for commercial purposes. Save the Valley also is arguing that the government is legally required to block the project because a water shortage emergency was declared in California.
Two other lawsuits against the casino project, one of which challenged the reservation status of the land, were dismissed. The tribe says the expansion will generate 250 new jobs.
Copyright © 2001-2024
CardPlayer.com. All rights reserved.
