What’s new
Video: March 1, 2008 - Interview with Commissioner Betty Sue Morris. |
The Board of Clark County Commissioners is inviting the public to examine a memorandum of understanding approved by the board and the Cowlitz Tribe in 2004 and to suggest ways to improve that document.
Opportunities for review and comment will include public discussions led by Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Curt Wyrick as follows:
April 7 – 6 p.m.
La Center High School Commons
725 Highland Road, La Center
Video: April 7 public meeting (1 hour 53 minutes)
April 10 – 6 p.m.
Maple Grove Middle School
12500 NE 199th St., Battle Ground
Video: April 10 public meeting (2 hours 18 minutes)
April 15 – 10 a.m.
Public Service Center
1300 Franklin St., sixth-floor, Vancouver
Video: April 15 public meeting (2 hours 9 minutes)
Read full news release
Background
In the 2004 MOU, the tribe agreed to develop the site consistent with county development standards, and make payment in lieu of taxes intended to equal all property taxes which would have been received for the real property, improvements and personal property located in Clark County.
The MOU also included provisions for contributions made by the tribe to support arts and education activities in Clark County and a treatment program for problems associated with compulsive behavior including compulsive gambling.
The 2004 MOU applied to any land use proposed by the tribe. Only the federal government can make decisions whether the land can be taken into trust and whether the casino proposed by the Cowlitz Tribe can be allowed or approved.
Informational links:
Documents:
Clark County
- Commissioners oppose commercial gaming - 04/08/08 (PDF)
- 2004 Cowlitz Tribe Memorandum of Understanding (PDF)
- Clark County Resolution - 01/28/08 (PDF)
- Letter from Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chairman, John Barnett (PDF)
- Board of commissioners’ response to John Barnett (PDF)
Washington State
- County/Tribal relationships in Washington State (PDF) – Map showing the location of formal relationships between Washington State counties and Native American tribes that have been in place since 1991.
- Examples of official cooperative documents (OCD) between counties and tribes representing a broad range or sample of issues. These documents are for informational purposes only.
- King County – Government-to-government relationships (PDF)
- Clallam County – Government-to-government relationships (PDF)
- Skagit County – Cooperative land use planning program (PDF)
- Chelan County – Contribution in lieu of taxes (PDF)
- Pacific County – Cooperative law enforcement (PDF 4MB)
- Whatcom County – Watershed management planning (PDF)
Other states
- Examples of official cooperative documents (OCD) between governments and tribes specifically related to casino issues and agreements. These documents are for informational purposes only.
- City of Kenosha and the Menominee Indian Tribe (PDF 2MB)
- City of Rohnert Park and the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria (PDF 2MB)
- County of Placer and United Auburn Indian Community (PDF)
- County of Yolo and the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians (PDF)
- Town of Middleborough and the Mashpee Wasmpanoag Tribe (PDF 1MB)
