A New Mexico tribe has gotten approval to pursue a gambling compact despite possible resistance from the state.
The U.S. Department of Interior notified the Pojoaque Pueblo that it is eligible to obtain the compact from the interior secretary directly.
Pueblo Gov. George Rivera says the tribe reached out to federal officials after negotiations with Gov. Susana Martinez's administration failed.
Both sides say the other was not operating in good faith.
Pojoaque Pueblo needs a new compact to maintain its casinos north of Santa Fe before the current one expires next year.
The tribe can now submit a proposed compact to the federal agency.
Martinez would have 60 days to respond after reviewing it.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
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