NORTH FORK – The Tribal Council of the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians announced today that Acting Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Lawrence Roberts has “issued Secretarial Procedures,” meaning that effective today, July 29, the Tribe can conduct Class III Gaming on their trust land located in the County of Madera.
Though they are not ready to start building yet, when they do, they can build a Class III facility.
“This is a huge milestone for our tribe,” said Maryann McGovran, Tribal Chair, noting that they still have one federal lawsuit pending and are awaiting a final ruling to move forward.
It has been more than a dozen years of planning and court battles, and a ballot referendum aimed at stopping the project, planned for 305 acres of land taken into trust for the Tribe near Madera.
McGovran says this project is all about creating jobs for the citizens of Madera County, and thanks everyone for their support.
“This has been a team effort, and we could not have done it without the support of the Madera City Council, the County Board of Supervisors, Jim Costa and Tom McClintock and all our elected officials.”
“We also want to thank our Tribal Citizens for their patience and support. We now have a valid compact that allows us to conduct Class III Gaming, and nobody can take that away. We’re good to roll.”
McGovran expects a ruling in the pending federal case “very soon.”
