Oregon Public Broadcasting

The federal government announced Friday that a tribal casino in Cascade Locks won't substantially harm the environment.

Now it's a waiting game.

Governor Ted Kulongoski has given the idea his blessing. But he's only in power until January 11th.

The two gubernatorial frontrunners have rejected the idea.

So now, if the Department of the Interior gives the casino the final thumbs up before January, it'll likely go ahead. If the decision comes after that, it'll  likely die.

How long the feds might take depends on whom you ask.

Ted Kulongoski: "We're probably three, four, five months away."

That's Governor Ted Kulongoski.

On the other hand, Michael Lang has been fighting the casino on behalf of the Friends of the Columbia River Gorge.

Michael Lang: "We can't see the full review completing on the project before next year. It'll be well into next winter."

Warm Springs tribal members say if they aren't successful at Cascade Locks, their next best option is Hood River.