URGENT UPDATE: Asotin County officials have just signed a critical letter to the White House regarding the Nez Perce Tribe’s recent purchases of two key properties in Clarkston, including the Red Wolf Golf Club and the former Umpqua Bank building. This development, confirmed earlier today, comes as the county expresses significant concerns about potential impacts on local businesses and tax revenue.
County Commissioner Chuck Whitman stated that they are reaching out to the U.S. Department of the Interior and the White House, urging federal officials to visit the area. This request follows the tribe’s applications to place both properties into trust, which could grant them tax exemptions and zoning advantages that traditional businesses do not enjoy. The county fears that the introduction of gambling at the Red Wolf Golf Club could severely affect established retailers, notably the Lancer Lanes Casino.
In their letter to federal authorities, the commissioners highlighted their worries about the unfair competitive advantage tribal-owned businesses might hold. If approved, the Red Wolf Golf Club could introduce sports betting and card games, while the Umpqua Bank site would remain non-gaming. County officials emphasized that it is crucial for these impacts to be addressed before any decisions are made.
Whitman, along with fellow commissioners Brian Shinn and Chris Seubert, conveyed their concerns during a board meeting, stating, “It is unfortunate that the impacts of these proposed acquisitions with business intents are apparently being ignored.” They revealed that previous attempts to discuss these issues with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Portland have not yielded any responses, prompting the need for this urgent correspondence to Washington, D.C.
In a statement to the media, Nikoli Greene, Executive Director of Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises, responded by emphasizing the tribe’s commitment to economic development in the region. “This is an investment into downtown Clarkston and a purchase of our original homeland,” Greene asserted. He noted that the former bank building has been vacant for over a year, and the tribe aims to revitalize the area by creating jobs and enhancing the local economy.
The county’s apprehensions are compounded by the potential loss of approximately $14,500 in annual property tax revenue from the previously struggling golf course, now renamed Red Wolf Golf Club. Greene countered that these losses are outweighed by the tribe’s contributions to local schools and community initiatives.
As the situation develops, the Asotin County Board of Commissioners remains committed to finding a resolution that benefits all parties involved. They aim to foster a collaborative approach with the Nez Perce Tribe while ensuring that local businesses are not unfairly disadvantaged.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds, and share this article to keep your community informed on these important developments in Clarkston!
