We conclude the Governor acted lawfully when he concurred in the Interior Secretary’s determination.” “ California law empowers the Governor to concur. But after a lengthy fight, on Monday August 31, the Supreme Court put the case to bed and made the following decision. Once this happened, the court agreed to hear challenging viewpoints on the mega-project two previous appeals court decisions were inconsistent and left the official status up in the air. In 2017, the case was put forward to the Supreme Court. They argued that full legislative authority was necessary. Other tribes expressed their disapproval and argued that the Governor had overstepped his authority. Plain sailing from there, right? Well, no. That year, Brown said yes to the go-ahead of a project in Yuba County, as well as Madera, as reported by The Business Journal. It took until 2012, when ex-California Governor Jerry Brown also gave the project the green light after the request was put forward to him a year earlier. However, that was far from the end of things. One year after that initial conversation, land near Madera was put into trust after North Fork Rancheria asked the Department of the Interior (DOI) to do so and had their request approved. 17 years ago, North Fork Rancheria first discussed the possibility of launching a joint-property with the operator. The project, which was backed by Stations Casinos, has been a topic of debate for almost two decades.

Moving forward with the new Madera County casino The court’s decision puts to bed a dispute about whether or not the former State Governor’s approval of two separate “off reservation” tribal casino projects were in his authority.Īs a result, plans to construct and open the venue will now be able to move ahead. Titled the North Fork Rancheria Hotel & Casino Resort, this venue will feature both an extensive casino floor and 200-room hotel. The Supreme Court of California has granted the final approval to a planned casino in Madera County.

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