The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians recently held a rally at the Muskegon Art Museum for its proposed $180 million casino in Muskegon County, Michigan.
December 16 is the deadline for Governor Gretchen Whitmer to approve the project or request a one-time, six-month extension from the U.S. Department of the Interior. About 100 tribal members and community supporters showed up wearing pins and holding signs reading “Governor Whitmer, support our Muskegon casino” and “Governor Whitmer, Muskegon needs 3,000 jobs.”
More than a dozen local leaders spoke on behalf of the casino, including state Senator Jon Bumstead, state Rep. Terry Sabo, Muskegon County Commissioner Bob Scolnik and Muskegon Heights Mayor Walter Watt. Sabo said, “This is going to have a lasting effect on our community for 100 years, putting a lot of people to work.”
The tribe has been working toward constructing a 149,000-square-foot casino and 220-room hotel at the former Great Lakes Downs Racetrack site in Fruitport Township.
Tribal Ogema Larry Romanelli said, “We are one signature away from making this dream a reality. Every day that this doesn’t happen, it just puts us in a less favorable condition. We’re both excited and a little nervous about getting to the final end. Depending on when it’s signed, we could get started on the project and that means digging in the ground.”
It’s not clear whether Whitmer will sign off on the casino. A spokesperson for her office said the governor still is reviewing the project. Sabo stated, “We’ve been working on this for over a decade, so waiting is not a big deal.”
The project has widespread local support, but three tribes that operate casinos within a two-hour drive of Fruitport Township oppose the project. Also, the Detroit city council and the Wayne County board of commissioners also issued resolutions in May opposing the proposed off-reservation casino. “Southeast Michigan needs to mind its own business,” Sabo said, drawing applause at the rally.
Gun Lake Tribe Chairman Bob Peters said the proposed casino is in “clear violation” of the Little River Band’s gaming compact with the state. “We are confident the governor will recognize the dangerous precedent this would set and reject a decision made by the Trump administration simply designed to embarrass the governor.”
Tribal analysts said the casino could generate $184 million in revenue in its first year, rising to $206 million by the fifth year. Annual estimated payments would be $15 million in tax dollars for the state and $3 million in local taxes. The project would create 1,500 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent positions. It would be the 25th tribal casino in Michigan and attract 2 million visitors to the region annually, according to the tribe.
The U.S. Department of Interior granted approval of the project on December 16, 2020.
