US judge blocks Koi Nation casino project in Sonoma County
The Koi Nation of Northern California plans to appeal the decision.
US.- Federal judge Rita F. Lin has determined that the 68 acres of land in Sonoma County bought in 2021 by the Koi Nation of Northern California to develop the Shiloh Resort & Casino project will no longer be held in trust, putting an end to the project. The tribe plans to appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
The decision confirmed an earlier preliminary ruling in favour of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR), who own a casino near Rohnert Park. Judge Lin agreed with several of FIGR’s claims, including assertions that the US Department of the Interior (DOI) failed to properly consult the tribe regarding cultural resources and that the approval was signed by an official without the authority to do so. She also questioned the historical ties presented by the Koi Nation.
The ruling was welcomed by Windsor residents and officials who had raised concerns about the casino’s potential impact on traffic, safety, water supply and wildfire evacuation routes. California governor Gavin Newsom had also expressed opposition to the proposed casino project. Newsom’s Office raised concerns that the DOI was departing from procedural pathways and safeguards for tribes that wish to restore tribal land and establish a casino.
The Shiloh Resort & Casino was to feature a 2,500-strong Class III gaming facility, a 400-room hotel, six restaurants, food service areas, a meeting centre and a spa. According to the tribe, the resort would create more than 1,100 full-time jobs.
