Post by Moon Seeker on Oct 10, 2008 11:29:00 GMT -5
JAMUL, Calif. —
An Indian tribe seeking to build a casino next to a curvy highway is suing the California Department of Transportation.
The Jamul (Hah-MOOL') Indian Village contends in its lawsuit that the agency has no legal right to apply and enforce land use and environmental laws on the reservation in Jamul, east of San Diego.
The tribe wants to build a driveway providing access from state Route 94 to the gambling hall. Caltrans officials say the driveway would be dangerous if used for a large casino. They have asked the tribe to go through an environmental review process that takes the casino plan into account before they can grant a permit to widen the highway.
A member of the tribe's Executive Council, Carlene Chamberlain, says the federal lawsuit was filed after negotiations with Caltrans over road access broke down.
A Caltrans spokesman says the agency has not been served with the legal papers.
Information from: The San Diego Union-Tribune, www.signonsandiego.com
www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/457489.html
An Indian tribe seeking to build a casino next to a curvy highway is suing the California Department of Transportation.
The Jamul (Hah-MOOL') Indian Village contends in its lawsuit that the agency has no legal right to apply and enforce land use and environmental laws on the reservation in Jamul, east of San Diego.
The tribe wants to build a driveway providing access from state Route 94 to the gambling hall. Caltrans officials say the driveway would be dangerous if used for a large casino. They have asked the tribe to go through an environmental review process that takes the casino plan into account before they can grant a permit to widen the highway.
A member of the tribe's Executive Council, Carlene Chamberlain, says the federal lawsuit was filed after negotiations with Caltrans over road access broke down.
A Caltrans spokesman says the agency has not been served with the legal papers.
Information from: The San Diego Union-Tribune, www.signonsandiego.com
www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/457489.html