NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
PROPOSED CYPRESS BAY CASINO EXPANSION PROJECT

National Indian Gaming Commission

ACTION: Finding of No Significant Impact

SUMMARY:

The Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana (Tribe) has submitted a request to the National Indian
Gaming Commission (NIGC) for the approval of a Modification to the Management
Agreement between the Tribe and RAM, LLC for management of a gaming facility on
existing tribal land.

The proposed expansion of Cypress Bay Casino will add-approximately 49,200 square
feet to the Class II and Class III gaming facility. The proposed federal action is the
approval of a Modification to the Management Agreement between the Tribe and RAM
Holdings, LLC (RAM) by the NIGC. Approval of this document will allow the Tribe to
construct and operate the proposed gaming facility as planned, subject to the conditions
of the existing Tribal/State Gaming Compact and this Finding of No Significant Impact
(FONSI).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christine Nagle, NEPA Coordinator

National Indian Gaming Commission

1441 L Street NW, Suite 9100

Washington, DC 20005

(202) 632-7003

PUBLIC AVAILABILITY:
The Environmental Assessment was reviewed during a thirty-day public comment period
and no comments were received. This FONSI and the Final Environmental Assessment
on which it is based will be available upon request at the following address.

Chitimacha Tribal Offices

155 Chitimacha Loop Road

Charenton, LA 70523

BACKGROUND:

Gaming is a unique opportunity for the Tribe to develop an economic base. This
opportunity is afforded the Tribe under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C.
2701 et seq.) and was sanctioned by the State of Louisiana through a State/Tribe Gaming
Compact approved by the Governor and the Secretary of the Interior.



DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT:

The expanded Cypress Bay Casino will be a 146,000 square-foot facility; the existing
facility and the proposed expansion will be separate structures attached by ground level
connection. The expanded facility will be open 24 hours a day and offer musical
entertainment, off-track betting and a poker room as well as 30+ slot machines. A new
parking area with 342 spaces will also be added.

Development will occur on 6.5 acres of land held in trust by the Tribe. The land is
located in north St. Mary Parish, Louisiana.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:

An Environmental Assessment (EA) documenting the planning process and analyzing
implementation impacts of the proposed project has been completed. No significant
unmitigated adverse environmental impacts are indicated by the EA.

The impact on the quality of the human environment is judged to be of minor adverse
impact and significant beneficial economic impact to both the Tribe and the surrounding
communities. There are no significant unmitigated impacts on public health and safety.
The site contains no eligible or listed National Register of Historic Places sites or any
known significant archeological resources that will be adversely impacted by the project.
There are no significant unmitigated adverse impacts on endangered species or their
critical habitat. The proposed land use will have no significant unmitigated impacts on
declared wetlands. The proposed land use will not significantly impact water quality or
air quality. There are no significant unmitigated impacts on traffic flow.

DETERMINATION:

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and implementing
Environmental Quality (40 C.F.R. 1500-1508), I find that
, to approve the Modified Management Agreement between

re that would si
meaning of NEPA. rea Environmental Impact Statement is not required for
this proposal. Wr
/

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Philip N. Hogen, Chairman
National Indian Gaming Commission

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