Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Allowed to Renegotiate for Casino Near Easton

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will give the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe another chance to renegotiate its compact to put a casino approximately 10 miles from Easton's border, Southcoasttoday.com reported Wednesday.

Plans for the casino in Taunton hit a roadblock last week when the U.S. Department of Interior rejected the agreement between Governor Deval Patrick and the tribe.

According to Southcoasttoday.com, the commission has the authority to put the Southeastern Massachusetts license out to competitive bid. The state legislation gives the commission the role of deciding whether the tribe has the ability to get its federal land approvals completed.

The Tribe and the Governor will be back at the table, however.

"The Compact calls for us to resume negotiations in the face of a federal disapproval and requires legislative approval of any renegotiated compact," Patrick said in a statement last week. "Those conversations will begin in earnest as we work with our partners in the legislature to determine next steps and the tribe’s land in trust application continues to be reviewed by Interior. I remain committed to striking an appropriate balance which protects the best interests of the Commonwealth and the tribe. I believe our Compact struck that balance. We will try to do so again."

To read the full story on Southcoasttoday.com, click here.