ANTHONY, N.M. - The U.S. government is taking a second look at a proposal by the Jemez Pueblo Indian Tribe to open a $72-million resort casino - an action that is worrying some and exciting others in this community of 7,900.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Department of Interior said they are reconsidering the application the tribe submitted to build the 48,000-square-foot casino on 100 acres near Interstate 10 about 20 miles north of El Paso.
The casino, if opened, would be a significant boost to the economy and create 950 jobs, according to tribal officials.
That possibility has some people saying the good times are on the way.
"It will be a win-win situation," said Ray Loretto, former governor of the Jemez Pueblo and member of the Jemez enterprise management board.
In 2008, the Department of the Interior rejected the tribe's application.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Department of Interior said they are reconsidering the application the tribe submitted to build the 48,000-square-foot casino on 100 acres near Interstate 10 about 20 miles north of El Paso.
The casino, if opened, would be a significant boost to the economy and create 950 jobs, according to tribal officials.
That possibility has some people saying the good times are on the way.
"It will be a win-win situation," said Ray Loretto, former governor of the Jemez Pueblo and member of the Jemez enterprise management board.
In 2008, the Department of the Interior rejected the tribe's application.