In Minnesota, a group called Citizens Opposed to Municipal Water have filed a lawsuit against West Lakeland Township supervisors, claiming their endorsement of a $154 million water system actually would provide water for a future tribal casino owned by the Prairie Island Community.
The township and the tribe, which owns Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Welch, denied any conspiracy and tribal leaders said they have no plans to build a casino on 112 acres they owns at Manning Avenue and Interstate 94.
Tribal spokesman Eric Pehle stated, “As we have repeatedly said since the tribe bought the land in 2016, the tribe does not have any immediate development plans, nor any pre-determined future use. To suggest otherwise is irresponsible.”
He said the tribe applied to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to take the land into federal trust. “Importantly, trust status would not automatically grant the tribe the ability to pursue gaming on the land,” Pehle said.
U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum of Minnesota said she was unaware of any plans by the Prairie Island Community to build a casino. She said the tribe has “many needs for restoring their homelands, including providing safe housing and community services.”
