Tribe talks to county about gaming

ASOTIN — When the Nez Perce Tribe purchased the Clarkston Golf and Country Club six years ago, the golf course was struggling financially and in “dire straits,” officials said Wednesday.

Since that time, the name of the course has been changed to Red Wolf Golf Club, and the links in west Clarkston continue to be well maintained and on a path that may result in gaming options, such as sports betting and card games in the clubhouse.

Tribal leaders met with Asotin County officials to discuss their plans to place the 89 acres in trust and explore gaming options. It could take several years before the process is completed, said Shannon Wheeler, chairperson of the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee.

Wheeler assured the board of commissioners that there are no plans to disrupt golf or change the footprint of the existing buildings. The goal is to create more economic drivers that would benefit both the tribe and the community, he said.

Because the Nez Perce do not have a tax base, the tribe relies on gaming revenues to supplement services for tribal members and fund philanthropic endeavors through its educational contributions to the region, Wheeler said.

The game of golf itself provides a lot of life lessons, promotes health and draws tribal members and other people to Clarkston. “Everyone in Lapwai doesn’t play basketball,” Wheeler said.

Through the purchase, the tribe is reintroducing itself to the region, sharing its historical ties to the land, and providing opportunities for economic development in Asotin County, the chairperson said.

“We want to work hand in hand with Asotin County,” Wheeler told the commissioners.

Chairperson Chuck Whitman said the county has fallen behind financially and the potential loss of $14,500 in property taxes a year adds to the struggle. The state only allows a 1% increase in property taxes each year, and underfunded mandates and inflation are not helping the situation.

Because Red Wolf Golf Club is located near residential neighborhoods, some people have concerns about the potential traffic and lack of parking if the clubhouse becomes a hot spot for gaming, Whitman said.

“Gaming in a residential area is a concern,” Whitman said. “There’s still a lot of work to be done on both of our sides if this moves forward.”

The flow of traffic on Elm Street and parking would be addressed, Wheeler said.

Commissioner Chris Seubert said having the golf club removed from the tax rolls remains a top concern, especially when it translates into an annual loss for years to come.

Wheeler said the tribe is aware of how trust land affects tax rolls, and agreements would be put in place to help fund law enforcement and emergency services at Red Wolf.

The tribal leaders also agreed to speak to residents and address any concerns at a future town hall meeting in Asotin County. The meeting will be scheduled when the endeavor is further along in the process.

In addition, Wheeler spoke about the tribe’s contributions to Clarkston schools and programs, along with the number of tribal members who shop here and use TriState Health on a regular basis.

Nikoli Greene, executive officer of Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises, provided a long list of events held at Red Wolf that contribute to local businesses and support programs, such as Clarkston High School sports, nonprofit organizations and college athletics. Hospitality and customer service will remain top priorities to help promote tourism and draw more visitors to the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, he said.

Meeting with Asotin County is an important step, Greene told the commissioners. The tribe wants the county to be a partner in the process, and to work together to help everyone succeed.

Commissioner Brian Shinn said this partnership could be the start of something good. He thanked the tribe for buying Red Wolf and “rescuing that operation. Whitman also thanked the tribe for coming to Asotin County for a face-to-face discussion.

Wheeler said the process to convert the land could take up to 5 years, but the tribe plans to be transparent along the way and hopes for it to be as “smooth and open as possible.”

“Progress moves at the speed of trust (in one another),” Wheeler said.

Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.