Background
For almost a decade, the Spokane Tribe of Indians pursued a casino and entertainment complex in Airway Heights called STEP – Spokane Tribe Economic Project. The process entailed approval from the Department of the Interior and final agreement by the Governor. Criteria included two factors: the project had be in the best interest of the tribe and not detrimental to the community. While the project had many supporters including local leaders and labor unions, its opponents included the Spokane Chamber of Commerce, Spokane County Council, various elected representatives and the Spokesman Review editorial board.