UPDATE: Asotin County officials have just announced their urgent appeal to the federal government regarding the Nez Perce Tribe’s recent land acquisitions. In a letter sent Monday, the county is reaching out to the U.S. Department of the Interior and President Donald Trump to express concerns about the tribe’s intent to place the Red Wolf Golf Club and the former Umpqua Bank building into trust.
The county commissioners, led by Commissioner Chuck Whitman, are requesting a federal visit to the Clarkston area to assess the potential economic impacts these land purchases could have on local businesses. The proposed changes could allow gambling at the golf club and a non-gaming business at the bank site, raising alarms about competition for established retailers.
County officials fear that the Nez Perce Tribe’s businesses could gain an unfair edge. For instance, Lancer Lanes Casino, located nearby, is subject to state gambling taxes, while the Red Wolf Golf Club would not be. This disparity could result in significant revenue losses for local businesses, particularly as the county relies on approximately $14,500 in property tax revenue from these establishments.
At a board meeting, Whitman emphasized, “It is unfortunate that the impacts of these proposed acquisitions with business intents are apparently being ignored,” highlighting the growing concern among county leaders. The commissioners—Whitman, Brian Shinn, and Chris Seubert—are not opposed to the tribe itself but worry about the economic imbalance that could arise from the land trust status.
The Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises Executive Director Nikoli Greene responded, stating that the tribe’s goal is to enhance the regional economy by creating jobs and revitalizing vacant properties. “This is an investment into downtown Clarkston and a purchase of our original homeland,” Greene explained, adding that the former bank building has sat unused for over a year.
He noted that the tribe’s initiatives aim to generate revenue for the community and combat the long-standing issue of vacant commercial spaces. Greene also pointed out that prior discussions with Asotin County were focused on collaboration and mutual benefits.
Asotin County officials previously attempted to engage with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Portland, Oregon, but reported a lack of response, prompting this latest outreach to Washington, D.C. The county’s anxiety about potential business impacts is compounded by the fact that rumors about the tribe’s plans are already affecting perceptions and relationships between the county and the Nez Perce Tribe.
With these developments rapidly unfolding, residents and local businesses are left to wonder about the implications of these land acquisitions. As the situation evolves, community members are urged to keep abreast of the latest updates and engage in discussions about the future of their local economy.
Stay tuned for further updates as Asotin County officials await a response from federal authorities on this pressing issue.
