GLENDALE, Ariz., Aug. 10 (UPI) -- City officials in Glendale, Ariz., have rebuffed offers from the Tohono O'odham Nation Indian tribe to discuss a proposed casino project near the city.
"Because we are preparing for litigation, this would not be an appropriate time to meet with (tribal) Chairman (Ned) Norris," Mayor Elaine Scruggs said in written statement, The Arizona Republic reported Tuesday.
The U.S. Interior Department set the stage for the confrontation by granting the Tohono O'odham Nation permission to incorporate 54 acres of its holdings near Glendale into the reservation system, the Phoenix newspaper said.
Since then, Chairman Ned Norris Jr. has requested a pow-wow with city officials, who rejected the offer.
City Attorney Craig Tindall said the city was planning its legal strategy. "It's a complex issue," he said.
In addition to the city, the Gila River Indian Community also could attempt to block the 600-room resort and casino project, which would generate 6,000 construction and 3,000 permanent jobs, as it would compete with its own nearby gambling business in west Phoenix, the newspaper said.
