Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, facing a December 16 deadline to decide on a casino projected proposed by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, will probably ask for six more months to make the decision: until June 16.
The tribe proposes a $180 million casino at a former racetrack in Fruitport Township. The BIA put the land into trust last year, giving the state a year to approve or disapprove. Because it is not on tribal land, the project comes under the “two-part” determination of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and so gives Governor Whitmer a veto. Also, it would be the tribe’s second casino, joining the Little River Casino near Manistee.
The tribe proposes a 70,000 square foot casino, and 220-room hotel at the former racetrack near the interchange of Interstate 96 and U.S. 31.
Tribal Ogema (executive officer) Larry Romanelli commented, “That’s the final extension, this is it,” Romanelli said, “We’ve been at this for 12-years. It’s not my favorite option.”
He added, “I think the Department of Interior will get a letter and then respond to that within the next week. We’ve been in contact with the governor’s office. She’s got a lot on her plate and it looks like that’s the direction we’re going. That’s as much as I can say right now.”
Muskegon County Community Development Director Bob Lukens told TV 8, “The quicker we learn about the decision. The quicker they’ll be able to begin construction on it.” He added, “We have the lake, we have Michigan’s Adventure, we have a variety of attractions here but adding a casino to it I think would be very important as a destination.”
