The Spokane Tribe Economic Project (STEP) passed another one of its hurdles.
According to a news release, the U.S. Department of the Interior sent a letter to Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, voicing its approval for the project.
In the letter, Kevin Washburn, assistant secretary for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, wrote that STEP will not be detrimental to the community, but will create employment and increase “tribal public service programs on the Spokane Reservation.”
The project, which would be located off Highway 2 and Craig Road, will consist of a resort casino, hotel, and commercial facilities. It will also feature a tribal cultural center and a police and fire station.
Although the land is off the Spokane reservation, the tribe owns it. According to the release, the land was once an encampment area for the Spokane Tribe during battles between them and the U.S. Army more than 100 years ago.
In an email, Spokane Tribal Council Chairman Rudy Peone said it was gratifying to receive Interior’s approval for the project.
“I am so happy and gratified for the Spokane Tribe and the entire community who will benefit,” Peone said. “I am thankful for the current and past Spokane Tribal Leadership, the membership and growing list of Eastern Washington supporters who continue to rally behind us.”
STEP has gained approval from several local businesses and municipalities, including Don Barbieri, former Chairman and CEO of Red Lion Hotels, Airway Heights Mayor Patrick Rushing and Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart.
However, it is not without local opposition. The Spokane County Board of Commissioners oppose the project, mainly due to their concern of the potential dangers STEP poses to Fairchild Air Force Base.
In 2013, the BIA published the West Plains Mixed-Use Development Final Environmental Impact Statement where it determined that STEP would not negatively affect Fairchild. It also concluded the project would invest over $350 million in Spokane County, generate revenues for several businesses and create over 5,000 jobs in the area.
The Federal Aviation Administration also released a study in December 2013, determining that STEP would not be a hazard to air navigation around the base. The United States Air Force also stated that STEP is compatible with Fairchild. The Interior Department has worked with the Spokane Tribe and the Air Force to establish procedures to mitigate any potential encroachment.
In April 2014, Spokane County Commissioners wrote a letter to the BIA, asking them to take a new look at possible negative impacts the project would have on Fairchild. Commissioner Al French said the board will continue to oppose STEP.
“We’re going to focus our attention on working with the governor to make sure he can live up to his promise to protect Fairchild,” French said.
The Kalispel Tribe, which owns and operates Northern Quest Casino in Airway Heights, also voiced its disapproval of the project. According to the release, Spokane Tribe’s proposed project is within their aboriginal lands, while Northern Quest is not located on the Kalispel’s traditional land. In the release, Washburn stated that it would be “ironic” to allow the Kalispel Tribe to have a casino within the Spokane Tribe’s aboriginal area while denying the tribe the opportunity to use its own aboriginal lands for the same purpose.”
Peone added that the tribe is open to “sitting with our relatives at Kalispel and exploring what can be worked out between us to benefit both of our Tribes and all of Eastern Washington.”
All eyes are on Inslee, who must concur with Interior’s analysis before gaming can occur on the site. In an email, spokeswoman Jaime Smith said Inslee’s office had received the letter and “will begin reviewing it shortly.”
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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