An artist's rendition of the proposed Anthony casino
A proposal to build an off-reservation casino in Anthony has new life with the federal government announcing that it will soon file a draft Environmental Impact Statement in the Federal Register.
Though that’s an early step, it’s confirmation that the federal government is officially considering the proposal from the Jemez Pueblo and Santa Fe art dealer and developer Gerald Peters.
The Las Cruces Sun-News has more:
“Still, it could be years until a final approval or rejection of the project comes through. The Interior Department secretary must make a decision. But New Mexico’s governor – whoever that is at the time – has final say.
“City of Anthony officials voted last week, 3-2, to express support for the Jemez casino proposal, Mayor Ramon Gonzalez said.
“‘The people are talking about it; they want the casino to come in,’ he said. ‘It’s going to offer the job opportunities, as well as the health benefits. It’s going to help us with revenue for the city of Anthony.’”
And the opposition, also from the Sun-News:
“Support in Anthony for the proposed casino has been strong over the years, though not unanimous.
“It stirred controversy when it came to light in 2004. Opponents have argued that it could take away revenue from other tourism industries, or that an approval for the project could open the door for more off-reservation casinos. Still, others have objected to the project philosophically and contended that it would promote new social problems, including gambling addictions.
“Some Anthony casino opponents have argued it would cut into the revenue stream of Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. They include Sunland Park casino owner Stan Fulton.”
The Albuquerque Journal has more details on the proposal’s new life:
“The effort went on life-support in early 2008, when the BIA declined to take the land into trust, effectively ending the pueblo’s plan — and the plans of about 30 other tribes — to build off-reservation casinos.”
But that was during the Bush years. From the Journal:
“In May, the Obama administration agreed to review those plans and allowed a handful of them, including Jemez Pueblo’s, to move forward. The BIA eventually will use a final environmental impact statement to help determine whether to take the land into trust for the pueblo. The draft EIS, and public comment, are initial steps in the process, which could take years to complete.”
If the feds OK the project, it is up to the governor to make a final decision. Gov. Susana Martinez has told NMPolitics.net she is skeptical of the proposal, but isn’t shutting the door on it.
“I’m not convinced that it’s the best thing to do right now, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be convinced,” Martinez told NMPolitics.net.