PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ --

The following is a statement from The Coalition for Oregon's Future on the release of the Gorge Casino final EIS

"This procedural step doesn't change the fact that Oregonians and Oregon's next Governor -- not the federal government -- will have the final word on whether an off-reservation casino in the Columbia Gorge is approved. And a majority of Oregonians and both leading candidates for Governor oppose an off reservation Gorge casino. The release of this report sets in motion another series of public hearings and, if necessary, litigation to stop this threat to the environment in the Columbia River Gorge and to opening the door to casino expansion across the state."

The Coalition for Oregon's Future is a diverse group of business, environmental , tribal and pro-family groups united in opposition to a proposal to build the state's first off-reservation casino in the Columbia River Gorge. In 2009, 18 national and local environmental organizations signed a letter to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar urging the proposed casino be denied because of the environmental threat to the Columbia River Gorge Scenic area. A copy of the letter as well as a video highlighting opposition from the leading gubernatorial candidates and other elected officials and organizations across the state can be found at www.nogorgecasino.com or on Facebook at No Gorge Casino.

SOURCE Coalition for Oregon's Future