Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance has expressed her support for a proposed tribal gaming hall in Birchwood, underscoring its possible economic advantages. This declaration has sparked some disagreement among other Anchorage city officials.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs is considering granting a permit that would enable the Native Village of Eklutna to establish the casino, a venture it has long sought. The federal agency has examined the tribe’s proposal for a facility spanning 58,000 square feet. The public commentary period for an environmental assessment concluded on Thursday.
Advocates of the casino have characterized it as a modest gaming establishment that could provide essential revenue for the Native Village of Eklutna. However, a group of Birchwood residents have initiated legal action to halt it. Birchwood is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Anchorage.
LaFrance’s supportive statement to the federal agency affirmed that the Native Village of Eklutna’s ambition to develop the gaming facility aligns with its rights under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act,
“We formally wish to express our support for the Native Village of Eklutna as it asserts its sovereignty and seeks economic advancement,” she stated.
The environmental assessment indicated no significant issues, she noted.
The endeavor will generate economic benefits such as over 450 jobs during construction, contributing $45.8 million to the local economy and supporting other enterprises like hotels, she stated. Upon commencement of operations, it will sustain 419 employees and yield $67.6 million in economic value, she added.
The mayor’s office disseminated the commentary within an email discussion involving Assembly members and critical city personnel.
Assembly Chair Chris Constant also forwarded a letter of endorsement he authored to the federal agency.
In the letter, printed on municipal letterhead, Constant clarified that he was articulating his personal viewpoint as chair, and not on behalf of the Assembly. Assembly members assert that the federal government holds the decision-making power regarding the project. The Assembly as a whole has not established a stance on the matter.
“This initiative has the capacity to rectify historical environmental justice issues by providing essential revenue to the Tribe and creating substantial economic prospects for its members and the Municipality of Anchorage,” Constant expressed in his letter.
Assembly member Daniel Volland, representing North Anchorage, responded in the email thread after reviewing the mayor’s stance. He shared two articles that raise warnings about the adverse effects of addictive gambling on public health, including elevated suicide rates and difficulties in family relationships and work.
Volland inquired: Did anyone in the LaFrance administration conduct “any internal research whatsoever on the potential public health implications of new casinos or gambling centers in the Anchorage area before commenting” on the gaming hall?
LaFrance responded that she values diverse perspectives on the project and anticipates the Assembly to engage in “a thorough community dialogue if/as the project proceeds.”
Volland, in an interview on Friday, expressed that it “astounds” him that the mayor expressed her opinion before comprehensively understanding the ramifications of a casino.
“I question the prudence of the mayor endorsing casino gambling in Anchorage if the evaluations of public safety and health effects have not been carried out,” Volland remarked.
On Friday, Volland indicated that he believes the project’s dangers outweigh its advantages. He has not offered a comment to the federal agency. He stated that he has not made up his mind regarding whether he is in favor or against it.
Assembly chair provides input
Constant mentioned in his letter that one of his Assembly colleagues brought up valid public health concerns.
“These social issues are crucial to address,” Constant stated in the letter. “As a municipal administration, we undoubtedly confront challenges regarding addiction, mental well-being, and crime, directly.”
However, the village of Eklutna has been tackling these challenges through “enhancements in healthcare and substance use treatment systems,” he noted.
Constant asserted that research demonstrates when tribes manage gaming facilities, tribal members experience longer life spans.
“The residents of the Native Village of Eklutna do not need lectures about the societal ills associated with poverty—they have lived it, generation after generation,” he stated.
Aaron Leggett, president of the tribal government, opted not to comment on the proposal as it awaits a determination from the federal agency.
“We value the mayor and the Assembly chair’s individual perspectives,” he stated.
Volland mentioned on Friday that he appreciates the city’s government-to-government relationship with Eklutna.
“Nevertheless, we may not always reach consensus on all matters,” he remarked.
“For me, I believe the potential detriments and risks surpass the benefits regarding this project,” he added.
An Assembly member whose district encompasses Birchwood, Mark Littlefield, stated he does not hold a position on the project.
“I advocate for development as long as it is conducted properly and it’s accurate, and all legal protocols are followed,” he remarked.
Assembly member Scott Myers, who also represents the district that includes Birchwood, was unavailable for comment.
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