Environmental Assessment (EA)
An Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Salem Gaming Facility Project on Trust Property. The EA has been prepared pursuant to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and assesses the environmental impacts resulting from the issuance of a Secretary of the Interior two-part determination under Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and the subsequent development of a gaming facility and hotel by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon (Tribe) on an approximately 20-acre parcel in Salem, Oregon that has been held in federal trust for the Tribe since 2000 (Trust Parcel). The Tribe proposes to develop a casino resort on the Trust Parcel, with additional parking improvements occurring within fee land owned by the Tribe to the south of the Trust Parcel. Thus, the project site evaluated in the EA encompasses approximately 28 acres consisting of the Trust Parcel and the two fee parcels located to the south (Project Site).
The Project Site is located in the City of Salem, in Marion County, Oregon, directly northeast of the Interstate 5 and State Highway 99E interchange. Surrounding land uses are primarily urban and commercial in nature. Based on the analysis and impacts discussed in the EA and comments received during the public review period, the BIA will decide whether to reach a Finding of No Significant Impact, direct further work on the EA, or initiate the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement.
Copies of the EA are available for public review on the internet at the here or at the Salem Public Library located at 585 Liberty ST SE, Salem, Oregon, 97301, telephone (503) 588-6315.
Public Comment Period
The BIA is extending the public comment period for the Draft EA, made available for public comment on January 7, 2022. The public comment period for the Draft EA was to complete on February 7, 2022, and has now been extended to close on April 8, 2022. This extension is being made in response to a public request for additional review time. Written comments should be emailed to scott.doig@bia.gov or mailed to the following address:
Tammie Poitra
Regional Director
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Midwest Region
5600 American Blvd W
Suite 500
Bloomington , MN 55437
Virtual Public Hearing
An online virtual public meeting was held on January 26, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. The virtual public meeting was held via Zoom. CLICK HERE for more information.
For further information, contact Scott Doig, Regional Environmental Scientist, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Midwest Region, at (612) 725-4514 or by email at scott.doig@bia.gov.