Anthony Casino Hearing Draws Hundreds

ANTHONY, N.M. (AP) – The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)is taking comments on a proposal by a northern New Mexico Pueblo to build a casino near Anthony in southern New Mexico.

The BIA held its first hearing last night in Anthony on the plan by Jemez Pueblo and Santa Fe art dealer Gerald Peters. Supporters say the casino would bring a needed economic boost.

Opponents of the proposed casino contend it would draw money away from other businesses. The pueblo and Peters released a study showing that the casino off Interstate 10 would create about a thousand jobs and bring about $30million to the area economy each year.

Howevera study funded by rival Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, locatedabout 50 miles away, says existing businesses would be hurt.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)