By Mike Sunnucks | Phoenix Business Journal
A controversial casino development in the West Valley is taking a big step forward.
The U.S. Department of the Interior is notifying Arizona lawmakers and other Native American communities that it is looking favorably on an effort by the Tohono O’odham Nation to take a parcel of land at 91st and Northern avenues (photo) into trust. The Southern Arizona tribe wants to develop a $500 million casino on the parcel.
This move sets the stage for full federal approval, according to an official familiar with the casino plans.