Last night I attended the public hearing regarding the Wilton Rancheria Fee to Trust and Casino Project held at the Chabolla Community Center in Galt. Several individuals representing local government agencies spoke on the project not offering a position but simply saying they had been in conversation with the Miwok Tribe. As an actively citizen engaged in matters affecting our community, I was surprised to hear Elk Grove’s Economic Development Director Darrell Doan say the city has been talking to the Miwok tribe and Howard Hughes Corporation as well as evaluating the environmental impacts and the project site. With this said, his closing comment was the city of Elk Grove has not taken a formal position on the project. I believe Alternative F, “the mall” site, is important as this does involve our community. Our City Council members must have been notified at an earlier date of Alternative F and yet no one made mention of this DEIS during their council reports. It is possible for all parties involved; City of Elk Grove, Miwok Tribe and Howard Hughes Corporation that their “talks” needed to be kept confidential. However had I not been notified of last night's meeting I would not be aware our city leaders have been talking with the Miwok Tribe and Howard Hughes Corporation about Alternative F. Much like the Elk Grove City Council purchased land outside our city limits without discussion drawing the monies from our drainage fund, the city is now working on plans without involving the citizens. Once again, residents are not included in the process. If I had not been at the meeting last night, if I had not been made aware of the DEIS, I would have no knowledge of Alternative F. You may mail or hand-deliver written comments to Ms. Amy Dutschke, Pacific Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, California 95825. You may also submit comments through email to Mr. John Rydzik, Chief, Division of Environmental, Cultural Resource Management and Safety, Bureau of Indian Affairs, at john.rydzik@bia.gov