Deal calls for casino to be part of Anthony water system

Monday, June 27, 2005 | 9:35 a.m.

ANTHONY, N.M. -- The local water and sewer district would provide services to a proposed off-reservation casino under an agreement made earlier this month with Jemez Pueblo.

The northern New Mexico pueblo and Santa Fe art dealer Gerald Peters are seeking approval from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs to build a casino in Anthony. If the plan is approved, the Anthony Water and Sanitation District would provide services for the casino.

Patrick Banegas, superintendent of the water district, said the agreement outlines "the conditions to which we're both going to adhere to provide them service."

Banegas also serves as chairman of the Anthony-Berino Economic Development Corp., a nonprofit organization that promotes economic development in Anthony. The group passed a resolution last October in favor of the casino.

Dawn Selwyn, deputy regional director for the BIA, said water and sewer services are logistic issues the pueblo must address.

Former Jemez Pueblo Gov. Paul Chinana, now a tribal council member, said the agreement shows that the tribe and the district are willing to work together to share water and sewer services.

"We have to work things out so that can be done," he said.