May 31, 2012 (MASHPEE) The Bureau of Indian Affairs takes a step forward with the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe’s application to put land in Mashpee and Taunton into federal trust.            

The tribe must have land taken into federal trust before moving ahead with its casino plan in Taunton.            

The BIA issued a notice today to state and local governments regarding the application – giving them a 30-day window to provide comments.            

Chairman Cedric Cromwell says it’s a “significant” step and a “monumental” day for the tribe.            

The tribe hopes to build the resort over a five-year period on 146 acres of land at the junction of Routes 24 and 140.   

The plan calls for a 150,000 square foot casino, three hotels, retail stores, restaurants and a water park.