Opposition to tribal casino continues

Some members of Oklahoma's congressional delegation will sign a letter, to be sent to the U.S. Department of Interior, in opposition to the construction of a proposed tribal casino in OKC.

Monday, May 26th 2008, 8:20 am

By: News 9

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Some members of Oklahoma's congressional delegation will sign a letter in opposition to the construction of a proposed tribal casino in Oklahoma City.

Among those signing the letter that will be sent to U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne will be Rep. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma City, in whose district the Shawnee Tribe's casino would be located.

The tribe has bought 104 acres in northeast Oklahoma City, where it wants to build the 2,000-machine casino, along with an 18-story hotel, a bowling alley, a 2,400-seat performance hall and a retail shopping area.

The land must be put in a federal trust before a casino can be built.

Fallin says constituents in her area that have expressed particular concern about the project are nearby tribes with casinos, Remington Park and other nearby tourism businesses.

Greg Pitcher, the chairman of Shawnee Development LLC, the tribe's economic development arm, says he met last week with four members of Oklahoma's congressional delegation.

He says he is disappointed some of them oppose the project.