The U.S. Department of the Interior will meet in Washington, D.C. on August 17 to consider whether or not to place on the federal registry the Ho-Chunk Nation’s $405.5 million casino resort in Beloit, Wisconsin. If the project is placed on the federal registry, at least one public hearing would be held in Beloit. Then it would move to the governor’s desk, most likely after the November 6 election. Governor Scott Walker has not stated if he approves the Beloit casino plan; he rejected a Kenosha casino in 2015. Democrats will run a candidate against Walker in the primary election August 14.
Ho-Chunk officials said state Senator Ron Johnson’s support is critical and would “greatly increase the BIA to look more favorable on the application.” Johnson previously has stated verbal support for the project. Beloit Chamber of Commerce Director Aimee Thurner said her group sent a letter to Johnson asking for his written support of the casino plan and also asked member businesses that support the casino to contact Johnson’s office.
Thurner said, “The Nation has a long history of successful, transformational projects in Wisconsin. They understand the impact that gaming positively creates in communities such as ours. Their intent for a first-class gaming, hotel, convention center and entertainment complex would further expand their efforts, and in conjunction with the city of Beloit, help make Beloit a place for all people to work, live and play.”
Local leaders, state representatives and federal lawmakers including
state Rep. Mark Pocan and state Senator Tammy Baldwin support the Beloit project. Last September, Pocan, Baldwin and state Rep. Gwen Moore sent a letter asking President Donald Trump’s administration approve the Ho-Chunk plan, which would create 1,500 new jobs and add a 300-room hotel, a 40,000 square foot water park and a 30,000 square foot conference center/entertainment space.
