http://www.kansascw.com/kscw/news/kwch-bh-news-tribe-expects-decision-soon-about-fate-of-park-city-casino-20130117,0,5469364.story

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Tribe expects decision soon about fate of Park City casino

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by Brian Heap

Factfinder 12 Investigator

2:20 PM CST, January 17, 2013

(PARK CITY, Kan.)

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It's been nearly seven years and still there's no official word if Park City will get an Indian casino.  The Wyandotte Nation has been fighting since 2006 for the right to develop land near the old Wild West World site.

The hold up is within the U.S.Department of the Interior, the same agency that's now looking for a new leader after Secretary Ken Salazar announced he would not be around for a second term.

Court papers show the tribe has had a land trust application on file with the federal government since 2006.  But the Interior Department has taken no action, leaving 10 acres of Park City land untouched. 

The Wyandotte Nation says it bought the property in 1992 using money specifically set aside by the U.S. Congress to put land in trust for the tribe's benefit.  Salazar completed an entire four year term without a decision and tribal leaders say that's just wrong.

Kansas has opposed the casino, in part, because its so close to the state-owned Kansas Star casino  in Mulvane.  In the year since it opened, Kansas Star has brought the state about $42 million in revenue. 

Wyandotte nation Chief Billy Friend expects a federal judge to make a ruling by next month that will force the government to accept or reject the tribe's application.  He doubts the resignation of Salazar will have much affect.

Kwch Eyewitness News