The Catawba Nation, a federally recognized Native American tribe based in South Carolina, has officially broken ground on their highly anticipated $700 million casino project in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place on a sunny Wednesday morning, marked a significant milestone in the tribe’s efforts to bring economic prosperity to their members and the surrounding community.
The massive casino complex, which will be located just off Interstate 85 near the North Carolina-South Carolina border, is expected to feature a luxury hotel, a state-of-the-art gaming floor, multiple restaurants, entertainment venues, and ample parking. The development is projected to create thousands of new jobs and generate millions of dollars in revenue for the Catawba Nation.
However, despite the excitement and anticipation surrounding the project, questions and concerns remain among some local residents and community leaders. One major point of contention is the legality of the casino development, as the Catawba Nation’s land in Kings Mountain is not designated as a reservation. Critics argue that the tribe does not have the right to build a casino on the site under federal law.
In response to these concerns, the Catawba Nation contends that they have the legal authority to establish a gaming facility on the Kings Mountain land under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. The tribe argues that the law allows for gaming operations on “off-reservation” land acquired after its passage, as long as certain criteria are met.
Despite the legal challenges looming over the project, leaders of the Catawba Nation remain confident that their casino development will move forward as planned. Tribal Chairman Bill Harris emphasized the economic benefits of the project, stating, “This casino will provide much-needed jobs and revenue for our tribe and the surrounding community. We are committed to working with local officials and stakeholders to ensure the success of this project.”
As construction on the casino complex begins in earnest, the Catawba Nation faces a long road ahead in addressing the legal and regulatory hurdles that stand in their way. However, with the support of tribal leaders, community members, and potentially lucrative partnerships, the Kings Mountain casino has the potential to become a major economic driver for the region and a source of pride for the Catawba Nation.