The Lake Ozark, Missouri board of aldermen recently voted to take no action on a resolution in support of an Osage Nation casino. Mayor Dennis Newberry cast the tie-breaking vote.
According to local outlet KY3, City Administrator Harrison Fry said, “There is a resolution that the board reviewed at their last meeting that identifies support for the Osage Nation’s project, as well as giving staff that directive to have ongoing conversations with them and the planning process. If bills like that are drawn up in the future, our board would probably revisit the issue and determine if they’re still supportive or not.”
At the last meeting of the board of aldermen, Fry said, “There was a tremendous representation from the public, expressing concern over a lack of information, specific details related to the project. That sentiment resonated with members of our elected officials’ team.”
Fry noted Newberry went to the state Capitol a few months ago to discuss legislation that would make gambling legal at the Lake of the Ozarks. “If that were approved, they would have expanded the number of licenses that have regulated state gaming to include the Osage River area,” he said, per KY3.
Fry added Missouri voters would have to vote on that constitutional change. However, the legislature adjourned in May with no vote on the issue.
An attorney representing the Osage Nation issued a statement from Kimberly Pearson, Osage Casinos chief executive officer:
“Our plan to bring a world-class entertainment district to the Lake of the Ozarks is moving forward as planned, and once completed, will see the Osage Casinos make a $60 million investment in the community. We are pleased by the growing support for this project, which we attribute to our commitment to transparency and listening to citizens, business leaders and public officials who may have questions about our investment in the community.
“We are not only making a major investment in the Lake of the Ozarks but working with stakeholders to affirm our commitment to be a valuable member of the lake community. As we have done on an ongoing basis in every community in which Osage casinos have a presence, we have made significant philanthropic contributions to law enforcement and other first responders, local charities, youth programs and community improvement projects. As this project continues to move forward, we are excited about the investment we are making in our ancestral homeland and to bring new jobs, tourism and revenue to the area.”
