Amador County – The grassroots group, No Casino In Plymouth announced it was pleased with federal level developments that could impact proposed Indian gaming in Amador County. Elida Malick, a founding member of No Casino In Plymouth, and a former city councilwoman for Plymouth, said the Matthew “Franklin-led Ione Band” was not restored according to the Department of the Interior Solicitor General. Malick also said the recent Supreme Court ruling that the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act, in effect, was a decision that the “Secretary of Interior does not have the authority to take land into trust.” Malick said: “No Casino In Plymouth is encouraged by the action of the Solicitor and the Court as both present significant problems for the Franklin-led Ione Band in their attempt to build a casino in Plymouth.” On January 16th, lead Interior Department attorney David Bernhardt reversed the “2006 restored lands opinion,” for the Ione Band. In a memo to Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Economic Development George Skibine, Solicitor Bernhardt said after review of the opinion, he concluded it was wrong and no longer represented the legal position of the Office of the Solicitor. The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision followed on February 24th, saying that the Secretary of the Interior does not have authority to take land into trust for tribes not under federal jurisdiction in 1934. Malick said: “Exactly what these actions mean for the proposed casino in Plymouth is not entirely clear but” the “reversal of the restored lands opinion means the Franklin-led Ione Band is not restored and the lands in Plymouth are not restored lands and are not eligible for a casino.” She thanked the community for 6 years of support and said “No Casino In Plymouth is “proceeding with caution.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.