Ninth Circuit Decision Still Pending in Graton-Koi Casino Appeal
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - More than seven weeks after hearing oral arguments, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has not yet issued a decision in the closely watched dispute between the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and the Koi Nation of Northern California over a proposed casino development in Sonoma County. ?1-c34fca?
#1 Choice of U.S. Players!A three-judge panel heard arguments Sept. 1 in consolidated appeals arising from ongoing litigation over federal approvals tied to Koi Nation's proposed Shiloh casino project. The appeals involve questions related to tribal sovereign immunity, Koi Nation's participation in the lawsuit, and challenges to federal land-into-trust actions. ?1-c34fca??2-f86930?
No ruling was announced following the hearing, and a review of publicly available Ninth Circuit opinion listings as of Oct. 17 shows no published opinion or memorandum disposition in the matter. ?1-c34fca??3-5d899f??4-f49074?
The pending decision is expected to determine the next phase of litigation surrounding the Sonoma County project, which has faced years of regulatory and legal challenges. Until the appellate court acts, the future of the proposed development remains uncertain. ?1-c34fca??2-f86930?
