The Oregon Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a citizens’ group has the right to challenge the constitutionality of the governor’s agreement to allow a casino in Florence.

“People Against a Casino Town” or PACT has been challenging the Three Rivers Casino since shortly after it was approved. They claim it violates the state’s constitution, which prohibits casinos. PACT attorney Kelly Clark says the supreme court decision was a procedural ruling which allows the case to move forward.

Kelly Clark: “The PACT organization has been bounced from court to court with the state of Oregon playing essentially keep-away. Finally, the Oregon Supreme Court has said, ‘enough of that, we think these citizens are entitled to an answer.’ That very simple question is the same one we’ve been asking for five years. How is it in a state whose constitution prohibits casinos that our governors keep allowing casinos? And finally, we’re going to get an answer to that question.”

The answer could have far-reaching ramifications for Oregon’s other tribal casinos. Tony Green with the state Attorney General’s office told KLCC the governor has the authority to site casinos. The case now moves back to the Lane County Circuit Court for a ruling on the merits.