Michelle Wu: “I thank Mr. Dent, and I rise in support of his amendment because of a proposed Indian gambling casino for the Columbia…”

“I thank Mr. Dent, and I rise in support of his amendment because of a proposed Indian gambling casino for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is the crown jewel of Oregon's natural heritage. The Columbia River cuts the only sea level passage through the Cascade Mountains. It is, to many, another Yosemite, with many waterfalls and the second tallest waterfall in North America. There is a proposed 700,000 square foot casino for this national scenic area. It would draw 3 million people per year and 1 million extra cars with the attendant pollution and urbanization. I support Mr. Dent's amendment and would ask the committee chairman to address the issues, because the amendment as originally structured would put a pause and encourage the Department to consider on reservation sites this for the tribe with the largest reservation in the State of Oregon.”