Asotin County Urges Federal Attention on Nez Perce Tribe Land Deal

URGENT UPDATE: Asotin County officials have just sent a critical letter to the White House and the U.S. Department of the Interior regarding the Nez Perce Tribe’s acquisition of two properties — the Red Wolf Golf Club and the former Umpqua Bank building in Clarkston. This intervention follows growing concerns about the potential impacts of these land trust applications on local businesses.

Commissioner Chuck Whitman revealed that the county is requesting a federal visit to the area, emphasizing the significance of these properties located in a “small commercial” zone. The county fears allowing gambling at the Red Wolf Golf Club — including sports betting and card games — could severely harm established retailers like the Lancer Lanes Casino, which is subject to gambling taxes that the tribal enterprise would not face.

Whitman and fellow commissioners Brian Shinn and Chris Seubert expressed their concerns during a board meeting, stating they do not oppose the Nez Perce Tribe but worry that tribal-owned businesses could gain an unfair competitive edge. “It is unfortunate that the impacts of these proposed acquisitions with business intents are apparently being ignored,” the county’s letter stated, highlighting the risks of rumors damaging relationships between local governments and the tribe.

The tribe’s Executive Director, Nikoli Greene, responded to the county’s concerns by emphasizing the tribe’s commitment to boosting the local economy through job creation and revitalizing vacant properties. “For us, this is an investment into downtown Clarkston and a purchase of our original homeland,” Greene stated. He pointed out that the former bank building has remained vacant for over a year and that the tribe aims to bring economic vitality to the area.

The Red Wolf Golf Club, previously the struggling Clarkston Golf and Country Club, was purchased by the tribe, and commissioner concerns have also included potential losses in property tax revenue, estimated at 14,500 USD annually. However, tribal leaders argue that this loss is outweighed by the contributions they make to local schools and community programs.

Asotin County officials have been attempting to engage with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Portland regarding these issues but report a lack of communication, prompting their recent outreach to Washington, D.C. The situation remains dynamic as both sides navigate the implications of these land acquisitions.

As this story develops, local residents and businesses will be watching closely to see how federal authorities respond to the county’s urgent requests. The impact on community dynamics and local commerce could be significant, making this a crucial moment for both the Nez Perce Tribe and Asotin County.

This developing situation is expected to draw further attention from both local stakeholders and federal officials. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.