Airway Heights’ annexation of 145 acres owned by the Spokane Tribe of Indians intended for a possible casino and resort was formally approved this week when Spokane County’s assessor’s office recorded the transaction.

The land is held in trust for the tribe and is intended for a casino and tribal resort, if the Spokanes’ request to the federal government is approved.

In April the Airway Heights City Council unanimously approved the annexation. Airway Heights officials have vocally backed the tribe’s efforts, seeing it as economic development for the tribe and the region.

Others, including the Kalispel Tribe, oppose the new casino proposal. Some say two casinos are not needed in Airway Heights, while another group contends the development could endanger the mission of Fairchild Air Force Base.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is still reviewing the tribal casino proposal. No deadline has been set for when the Department of the Interior will issue a ruling.