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Impact on base overblown
I have been watching events unfold regarding the building of the Spokane Tribe’s casino in Airway Heights. Until recently, there has been little opposition.
Enter the Greater Spokane Incorporated chamber of commerce and four Republican City Council members. The facts surrounding this building site are mostly ignored by same.
The adverse effect on Fairchild Air Force Base is pure speculation. Other bases around the country, with similar building projects close by, have not been negatively impacted. This information is available with Google access, for interested parties.
A former base commander indicated to former County Commissioner Bonnie Mager that there would be no harm to Fairchild from this casino.
The economic benefits of the Spokane Tribe’s project would be great. A $400 million investment in this area by a private party is rare and should be accepted. Also, the environmental impact statement for said building site includes a financial estimate of $240 million a year coming to the area, after completion of building the casino.
It would be sad to see this economic influx fail because of special interest by a few.
John Gary Kavanagh
Spokane