Broken Arrow Leaders Head To D.C. To Discuss Casino

Broken Arrow government leaders met Monday in Washington to discuss the Red Clay Casino. They met with the regulators who can approve or deny permits for the Kialegee Tribal Town development.

After several hours of meetings with the National Indian Gaming Commission - and the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Mayor Mike Lester said they didn't get much new information, but they are expecting a decision soon.

There are plenty of signs of progress at the Red Clay development site - but officials in Washington told Broken Arrow's delegation the needed permits have not been issued - and no decision has been made on whether they will be issued.

Mayor Mike Lester and Vice Mayor Craig Thurmond were in separate meetings with the National Indian Gaming Commission and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

"The NIGC is still working on a response, but did not give a timeframe on when they would have that response. They've received all information needed to make a decision," said BA Vice Mayor Craig Thurmond.

"In our meeting the BIA, they have not received any information from the landowners. And they do not have the means to force the landowners to give them that information. The ultimate decision, as they stated, lies with the NIGC."

Thurmond said while it was clear the Kialegee Tribal Town would need a lease approved for the site, it appeared that would be a routine issue.

"BIA does have the opportunity to approve a lease when it's given to them. They don't deal with gaming issues so they would approve the lease whether it's a shopping center, or gaming, that's NIGC on gaming. But they do have the opportunity to approve that lease and make sure it's appropriate once they receive it," Thurmond said.

Thurmond said he believes the feds will come up with a decision soon.

"I believe that's what we're all going to have to do is wait on them to see what they decide. I get the feeling that it's not going to be too far in the future when we get a decision from NIGC," Thurmond said.

It's unclear on when the land lease would have to be approved, but the gaming license has to be approved before the casino opens.

Staffers from Senator Jim Inhofe - and Congressman John Sullivan's office were also in the meetings.

03/04/2012 Related Story: Documents Show Broken Arrow City Leadership Knew About Kialegee Casino