Copyright Lewiston Morning Tribune
ASOTIN — Asotin County officials signed a letter Monday to send to federal authorities about the Nez Perce Tribe’s purchase of two properties — Red Wolf Golf Club and the old Umpqua Bank building in Clarkston. Commissioner Chuck Whitman said the county is contacting the U.S. Department of the Interior and the White House about the tribe’s applications to place both land acquisitions into trust. Asotin County is requesting a visit from federal officials to view the “small commercial” area where both properties are located. Allowing gambling at the Red Wolf Golf Club and an unnamed, nongaming business on Diagonal Street could negatively affect established retailers, the commissioners said. Tribal trust land is a legal status that grants tribes certain benefits, such as exemption from state and local taxes and zoning rules. If approved, sports betting, card games and a few slot machines could be added at the golf club. The tribe’s request to place the Diagonal Street property into trust is not for gaming purposes. At Monday’s board meeting, Whitman said Asotin County has made attempts to discuss the issue with the northwest office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Portland, Ore., to no avail. The lack of response prompted the latest letters to Washington, D.C. All three commissioners, including Whitman, Brian Shinn and Chris Seubert, said they are not against the Nez Perce Tribe, but they do fear tribal-owned businesses have an unfair advantage. For example, Lancer Lanes Casino on Bridge Street could lose revenue if Red Wolf gets the green light to offer gaming options, county officials said. Lancer Lanes has to pay gambling taxes, and Red Wolf would not. In the county’s letter to the Department of the Interior and President Donald Trump, the commissioners said, “It is unfortunate that the impacts of these proposed acquisitions with business intents are apparently being ignored. … Unfortunately, rumors are spreading that could impact the partnership between Asotin County governments and the Nez Perce Tribe concerning perception of proposed businesses.” When contacted by the Lewiston Tribune, Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises Executive Directory Nikoli Greene said his focus is on boosting the economy for the entire area by creating more employment opportunities and developing empty storefronts. No formal plans for the former bank building at 303 Diagonal St. have been locked down, Greene said. “From our perspective, the building has sat vacant for more than a year,” Greene said. “There have been several vacant buildings in that area for some time. For us, this is an investment into downtown Clarkston and a purchase of our original homeland. Part of my job is to generate revenue and create jobs for our communities, and that’s what we’re trying to do.” The former Clarkston Golf and Country Club was struggling to make ends meet when the tribe purchased the 89-acre property on the west side of Clarkston and changed the name to Red Wolf Golf Club. County officials feared the change would result in a loss of property tax revenue, which is about $14,500 a year. Tribal leaders said that is more than offset by the numerous contributions made to schools and the community. “When we met with Asotin County earlier this year about Red Wolf, the discussion was about working together and finding solutions that benefit both parties,” Greene said. Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.
