CCB MEDIA PHOTO
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Chairman Cedric Cromwell and Taunton Mayor Thomas Hoye speak with reporters in September about plans for a casino in the city
MASHPEE – The federal government formally put land into trust yesterday in Taunton and Mashpee for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.
The U.S. Department of Interior announced its decision to approve the land into trust application in September, and formalized the action this week.
It’s the latest step forward for the tribe in their plans to build a resort casino in Taunton. Officials previously said site work could begin in the spring.
“Our land has now been acquired by the federal government and placed into trust. It is now out land, protected forever for our people today and for future generations,” said Tribal Chairman Cedric Cromwell in a statement Thursday night.
A total of 321 acres in both communities are included in the trust.
The tribe says the decision is a new beginning for them and an important milestone in history that reverses centuries of injustice on Wampanoag lands.
“We intend to begin construction on a world-class destination resort casino in Taunton in accordance with the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. But, for us, this goes far beyond economic development. This is about controlling out own destiny and having the means to preserve our aboriginal culture,” said Cromwell.
By MATT PITTA, CapeCod.com News Director
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