Navajo Council approves revenue-sharing agreement

Friday, July 22, 2005 | 9:14 a.m.

HOGBACK, N.M. -- The Navajo Nation Council has approved an agreement between the tribe and the Hogback Chapter that spells out revenue sharing if a casino is ever built within the boundaries of the northwestern New Mexico chapter.

Delegates from Shiprock, Upper Fruitland and Hogback all voted in favor of the deal, with the exception of Richard Begaye of Shiprock, who was not present for the vote. The measure was approved 47-12, with 29 members not voting.

Delegate Ervin Keeswood Sr. of Hogback said the measure isn't a guarantee that a casino would be coming to the Four Corners area, but it's an important step for Hogback and the surrounding communities. He added that other chapters are welcome to invest in the venture if it happens.

"It's not going to happen overnight, but (the agreement) is a major step," Keeswood said. "We'll move forward the way the Navajo statute is set up."

Tribal law calls for a gaming regulatory office to be established, which the tribe's central government is working on. Once that occurs, the Hogback Chapter would have to apply for a gaming license before it could begin negotiating to bring in a casino.

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