Oklahoma Congressman Says Tribe Does Not Have Permit To Build Casino

Opponents to a controversial Broken Arrow Casino received good news Wednesday.

Republican Congressman John Sullivan met with federal regulators in Washington and says it's clear the Kialegee Tribal Town does not have a permit for the casino.

Sullivan says the tribe needs several federal permits to open - and he says they not only don't have them - he doesn't believe they'll be able to get them either.

"They have submitted some paperwork, but not all the paperwork. They have asked questions, but not all the questions they need to ask. This is far from being completed. They are far from getting a license. They make it sound like they don't need to get approval. They definitely need to get approval," Sullivan said.

That's how Congressman John Sullivan summarizes what he learned about the Red Clay Casino from the National Indian Gaming Commission.

As Sullivan spoke, Broken Arrow Mayor Mike Lester was meeting with Creek Nation Chief George Tiger.

01/18/2012 Related Story: BA Mayor: City And Creek Nation Agree To Share Information On Red Clay Casino

The Kialegee Tribal Town project continues - even though Congressman Sullivan says they don't have the proper permits.

"They say, for example, they already have a license. They don't. They say they've done an environmental impact statement, and according to the National Indian Gaming Commission, they have not," Sullivan said.

For the first time, the co-owner of the land has spoken on video with a reporter from the Broken Arrow Ledger.

"We love our town, Indian or non-Indian, we love Broken Arrow," Marcella Giles, land owner, told the Broken Arrow newspaper.

In the interview, Giles argues the land is ready for development and the Kialegees have the right to build.

"This Tribal Town Kialegee is paying their own way," she said.

But Congressman Sullivan argues the casino project can be stopped and believes it will by federal regulators.

"They are going to take their time making a decision, because this is precedent setting what they do," Congressman Sullivan said.

Sullivan expects to get more direct answers soon from the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Meanwhile, Sullivan says the EPA will be at the site Thursday to determine whether any environmental issues have come up because of the construction.