Hampton Bays Casino Battle Heads Back to the State

The Shinnecock Indian Nation Tribal Trustees said they were "gratified" to learn on Monday that the United States Court of Appeals has tossed out a 2008 federal injunction that prevented the nation from moving forward on the construction of a 61,000-square-foot casino on land in Hampton Bays, known as Westwoods.

In the ruling, according to MSNBC.com, judges John Walker and Barrington Parker said the matter, which was brought to the federal court in 2008, should have remained in state court.

In a statement to the media the Tribal Trustees said, "We thank the creator for lifting this burden and look forward to providing for the future of our people in a manner that is responsible and fair, as we always have in the past."

The statement also indicated that that the nation, which became federally recognized in 2010, plans to sit down with Governor Cuomo to discuss how the "the nation and state can move forward together."

"Our ancestors and tribal leaders, both living and those who have gone before us, always have maintained our tribal lands for the benefit of all tribe members," the Trustees said. "This always will be our starting point for any discussions, and we look forward to finding an agreed basis with the State for realization of our common goals."  

To read the full MSNBC report, click here. 

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