Astoria, OR – Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has formally requested an extension to the public comment period for a controversial proposal by the Coquille Indian Tribe to build a casino in Medford, Oregon, more than 150 miles from the Tribe’s reservation. In a letter sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Kotek asked for the comment period to be extended through the holiday season, giving Oregonians additional time to weigh in on the proposed project.
The Coquille Tribe’s plan to establish a casino in Medford has sparked significant debate, as it would be located well outside the Tribe’s original reservation boundaries. A 30-day comment period was initially issued to gather public feedback, but the Governor’s request for an extension reflects growing concerns among local residents and lawmakers about the project’s potential impact.
Kotek’s appeal is part of a broader response from Oregon’s political leaders. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with Representative Cliff Bentz, have joined forces with California Governor Gavin Newsom and more than 20 members of Congress to push for a reevaluation of how such casino projects are approved by the federal government. They are urging U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to reconsider the process, citing concerns over the precedent set by allowing a casino to be built so far from the Tribe’s reservation.
The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians has also weighed in, emphasizing that the approval of the Medford casino could have significant consequences for tribal sovereignty and local communities. Critics argue that the project could undermine the integrity of the federal regulations governing tribal casinos, which are typically located on or near tribal lands.
Supporters of the casino, however, argue that it would provide economic benefits to the region, including job creation and increased tourism. They also point out that the Coquille Tribe has a long history of successful economic development, and the proposed casino could enhance the Tribe’s ability to serve its members and the local community.
As the debate over the Medford casino continues, the request for an extended comment period highlights the complex intersection of tribal sovereignty, local interests, and federal policy. With input from lawmakers, tribal leaders, and the public expected to influence the final decision, the future of the proposed casino remains uncertain.
