Indian casino could close if pact not reached

Friday, July 6, 2001 | 10:46 a.m.

KINDER, La. -- The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana is using a media blitz in an attempt to gain public support in its high-stakes dispute with Allen Parish officials over tribal payments to the parish.

If the two sides don't come to an agreement by July 24 the tribe's Grand Casino Coushatta, which employs 2,800 people in Kinder, could shut down.

Should that occur, both sides would be losers financially.

The tribe is willing to give local government agencies $49 million over the next seven years. But the tribe wants officials to account for their spending of the money.

Parish officials think the tribe is trying to dictate to them how to spend the money.

If by midnight on July 24 an agreement cannot be reached, the compact will automatically dissolve and, without a compact, the casino could not legally operate and would have to close down.

Coushatta advertising is circulating throughout the area. A newspaper ad, signed by Coushatta Chairman Lovelin Poncho, says, "As part of out long-term commitment to our neighbors in Southwest Louisiana, we have offered to donate $49 million to local communities in Allen Parish."