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Columbia River plan pushed

Tuesday, June 25, 2002 | 11:05 a.m.

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. -- Confederated Tribes of Warm Spring leaders say they hope to negotiate a new gaming contract with the state to put up a temporary casino in the Columbia River Gorge.

Tribal leaders say that would generate cash flow while their permanent casino is being built.

The tribe had been waiting for a new governor to negotiate with, but decided they couldn't wait any longer. The tribal council sent a letter to Gov. John Kitzhaber last week requesting the negotiations. Kitzhaber hasn't formally responded, but his attorney said the talks couldn't begin for at least a month.

"We're caught up in the middle of a (legislative) session right now, and I think the tribes are understanding of that," Danny Santos, legal counsel for the governor, said.

Tribal leaders acknowledge that, but they also want to move quickly.

This spring, they cut $1.1 million from the tribal budget to deal with reductions in timber revenue, and they see little hope of that income ever returning. A new casino in the gorge could bring in up to $15.5 million profit, they predict.

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