Oregon Public Broadcasting

Members of the Warm Springs tribe celebrated Friday, as the federal government found that building a casino at Cascade Locks wouldn't significantly harm the environment.

The tribe has been trying to build a new casino close to Portland for 10 years.

Hood River residents fought the idea, but Cascade Locks offered a 25-acre industrial site.

The Grande Ronde tribe also opposes the idea -- fearing competition for its Spirit Mountain Casino.

Warm Springs tribal senior, Ken Smith, said he's disappointed because his tribe has helped the Grande Ronde in the past.

Ken Smith: "We assumed that at least they would stay neutral. There's enough business in the state of Oregon for more than one casino, or two casinos, especially around Portland."

The Warm Springs face a time crunch now. Governor Ted Kulongoski is supportive, but gubernatorial frontrunners John Kitzhaber and Chris Dudley have both voiced opposition.

The casino needs a governor's support.

There's now a waiting period before the Department of the Interior decides whether the plan is in the best interest of the tribe or detrimental for Cascade Locks.