The Bureau of Indian Affairs recently announced it will prepare an environmental impact statement for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ proposed 0 million off-reservation casino in Fruitport Township, Michigan. A public input meeting will be held October 15 and written comments also will be accepted. The tribe’s land-into-trust application was filed in February.
Ogema Larry Romanelli said, “We strongly encourage the community to join us on October 15 in expressing their opinions that this project will have a positive impact on the Muskegon community. Community feedback is important to the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ ability to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the project.” Romanelli said the BIA’s announcement “a long awaited big step for the Little River Band and the Muskegon community to bring economic development to the region.” He said the casino project would bring more than 1,200 new jobs to the area.
Tribal Council Speaker Virg Johnson added, “The purpose and need of the proposed action is to improve the economic status of our tribal government so we can better provide housing, health care, education and other services to our elders and youth, particularly those based in Muskegon County.”
Following BIA approval, the state governor would have veto authority over the project.
The 60-acre site located at the former Great Lakes Downs racetrack is located 80 miles from reservation headquarters. The project would include 69,000 square feet of gaming floor space, 1,700 slot machines, 35 table games and a 220-room hotel. The tribe currently operates casino in Manistee.
Both Fruitport Township and Muskegon County issued resolutions of support in June 2014 for the tribe’s Muskegon casino project.
