Oregon Governor seeks extension on Medford casino comment period amid growing opposition

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has formally requested an extension on the public comment period regarding a controversial casino proposal in Medford. The current 30-day comment period, set to end on December 24, has drawn criticism for its timing, and Kotek is pushing for an extension through the holiday season.

The proposal, led by the Coquille Indian Tribe, seeks to establish a casino more than 150 miles away from the Tribe’s reservation. While the Coquille Tribe is moving forward with the plan, it has sparked significant opposition from other local tribal groups, including the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians.

In a letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Kotek called for more time for public input, acknowledging the limited window for feedback during the busy holiday period. 

Kotek’s request has garnered backing from Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, as well as Representative Cliff Bentz. The group, alongside California Governor Gavin Newsom and other members of Congress, has urged U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to reevaluate the approval process for such casino projects, given the concerns raised by local tribes.

The Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe, in particular, has voiced strong opposition to the Medford casino, arguing that it would negatively affect the local economy and harm the interests of neighboring tribes. Lindsay Campman, the tribe’s Communications and Marketing Director, criticized the Bureau of Indian Affairs for scheduling the comment period to end on Christmas Eve, suggesting it was an attempt to limit public attention.

“It’s really been poor timing on behalf of the Bureau of Indian Affairs to have a comment period end on Christmas Eve, and unfortunately that’s probably intentional,” Campman said. “They would prefer these issues are swept under the rug without others noticing.”

Despite the criticism, the Cow Creek Tribe has garnered substantial support from the community, with many tribal citizens and local partners expressing a willingness to assist in the efforts to oppose the project.

“Since that time, we have been able to reach dozens and dozens of our tribal citizens, of our community partners of the people who really enjoy working with the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe and they have said how can we help, what can we do?” Campman added, expressing hope that the comment period extension would allow for broader community input.