The Bureau of Indian Affairs recently posted a final Environmental Impact Statement for the Ho-Chunk Nation’s proposed casino in Beloit, Wisconsin. The EIS included the BIA’s official responses to the 32 verbal comments it received at a December 11 public hearing and the 35 letters it received during the comment submission period last year.
More than half of the comments came from public officials from the Ho-Chunk Nation, cities of Beloit and Janesville, Wisconsin legislature and area economic development agencies. Supporters said the casino will boost the economies of Beloit and the stateline area, increase job growth and provide area residents with a premiere entertainment district.
Casino opponents cited moral objections to gambling, increased risk of gambling addiction and the possibility of slowing Beloit’s progress made since 2008.
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin commented Ho-Chunk failed to pay $2.5 million related to an August 2016 workforce development agreement. The BIA did not respond, noting the comment was not related to the EIS.
Responding to comments about problem gambling, BIA stated “three existing casinos exist within the 2-hour market area surrounding” the project site. Ho-Chunk is responsible for overseeing problem gambling programs and services.
Regarding the potential for increased crime due to the casino, BIA said, “Similar to any commercial development that attracts patrons, criminal incidents are expected to increase. However, the crime rate is not anticipated to increase.”
A new 30-day public comment period will end on July 1, and, according to the project’s official website, a record of decision on the plan is expected “on or after” July 1.
