Medford, OR — Governor Tina Kotek is urging the U.S. Department of the Interior to extend the public comment period for the proposed Medford casino, citing the importance of allowing more time for stakeholders to provide feedback on the project.
In a letter sent late last week, Kotek emphasized that the decision regarding the casino could have far-reaching consequences for Oregon’s communities, economic landscape, and the interests of the state at large. “It is critical to ensure that all stakeholders — including tribal nations, local governments, and residents — have sufficient time to thoughtfully consider the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and offer meaningful feedback,” she wrote.
The current comment period is set to end in just one week, prompting concerns that interested parties may not have enough time to properly assess the proposal and weigh in. The Coquille Tribe, based in Coos County, has been pushing forward with its plans to develop the casino on a site located on South Pacific Highway in Medford. The Tribe purchased the land over a decade ago with the goal of opening an off-reservation casino, and has since secured federal support for the project.
Last month, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) indicated its backing of the Tribe’s plans, which would involve remodeling the old Roxy Ann Lanes bowling alley into a Class II casino. Unlike Class III casinos, which offer table games like blackjack and roulette, Class II casinos are limited to electronic games such as slot machines.
The Coquille Tribe currently operates a Class III casino in North Bend, and the Medford location would serve as an expansion of its gaming operations. While federal support is a significant step forward for the project, the casino proposal is not yet finalized, and public feedback remains a key component of the approval process.
In light of the tight timeline for public comments, Governor Kotek’s request for an extension underscores the need for broader community engagement. Local residents, tribal nations, and other stakeholders have the opportunity to share their thoughts on the proposal directly with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Comments can be submitted via email or through mail delivery.
As of now, unless the comment period is extended, the window for public feedback will close in a matter of days, leaving many community members concerned about having sufficient time to voice their opinions. The Governor’s request for an extension is intended to ensure that all relevant parties have an opportunity to fully participate in the process.