The Hard Rock Casino to be operated by the Tejon Indian Tribe that has a plan has been approved by the federal government. However, it is now up to Governor Gavin Newsom. He has to concur with the decision to operate the Hard Rock Casino and he has a year to decide on his decision. This would before the plan could in fact become a reality. If Newsom does, the U.S. Department of Interior can take the land into trust. Moreover, the Tejon Indian Tribe tribe will, at last, have a place to call home. Then, on January 8th, the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Tara Sweeney signed a record of decision. Then, she issued a secretarial decision finding the proposed site. It would be what is considered suitable for the tribe’s plans and allowing gaming to take place at the location.
The Hard Rock Casino resort is 14 miles south of Bakersfield, California.
Hard Rock Casino: Homeland for Tejon Indian Tribe
“Our relationship with the United States government since 1851 has been one that our tribe has fought for a homeland for our people. We are two major steps closer to that dream today,” Octavio Escobedo III, chairman of the Tejon Indian Tribe, said in a statement. “We can move closer to the promise of self-determination through economic development. It is the through the department’s decision.”
Development of Tribal Homeland
“For the tribe and its citizens, it’s been a long but worthwhile journey,” Escobedo wrote. “These are important steps toward the development of the tribal homeland for the Tribe. It has been landless for more than 150 years.”
Hard Rock Casino: Self-Sufficiency for the Tribe
The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, in its record of decision, said the Casino near Mettler best allows the Tejon Tribe to be self-sufficient and maintain a steady source of revenue to provide for government programs.
Purpose and Need of Tribe
In fact, the bureau also considered many alternatives. Among those include a smaller casino, an organic farm, an alternative site Maricopa Highway and no action. Moreover, the bureau said the Mettler site best meets the “purpose and need” of the tribe.
Mettler Site
The tribe plans are to build a 166,500-square foot gaming floor, along with an 11-story hotel with 400 rooms. This will be at the Mettler site. There is a convention space, event center, restaurants, RV park, and the joint sheriff and fire station would also be located on the site. Additionally, along with housing and administrative offices.