Proposed Catawba casino for NC has momentum, but many hurdles still to overcome
A proposed casino resort near Kings Mountain could be a jackpot for the Catawba Indian Nation, based just over the border in Rock Hill, SC. Consideration of the controversial project has already provided a boon to state and congressional Republicans connected to the project.
But legislative and regulatory hurdles remain for the $273 million, 17-acre project, including a lawsuit filed by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which already operates two casinos in the state and views the Catawba proposal as improper and illegal competition.
And the ultimate decision could still lie with Gov. Roy Cooper.
Seven years and two governors ago, the Catawba decided they want their own casino resort, one similar to the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, 135 miles away. But because of the two tribes’ differing histories with federal authorities and their respective state governments, the Catawba were stymied.
Read more: http://www.ncpolicywatch.com/2020/10/02/proposed-catawba-casino-for-nc-has-momentum-but-many-hurdles-still-to-overcome/