Through an economic development partnership between Gun Lake Investments and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a .4 million fuel and convenience store is under construction near the main entrance of the Gun Lake Casino in Wayland.
Scheduled to open in June 2017, the 6,700 square foot facility, open 24/7, will create 22 jobs and generate more than $1 million in local and state taxes annually.
GLI Chief Executive Officer Kurt Trevan said, “This exciting first project accomplishes our objective of creating economic development opportunities for the tribe and Michigan-based companies, while also providing more employment opportunities in West Michigan. We designed the fuel and dining facility for visual appeal and convenience to enhance the experience of the customer.” GLI is an economic development corporation owned by the Gun Lake Tribe.
MEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood added, “Economic development efforts should touch multiple industries for our state to be successful. Since our agreement announcement this summer, we have been working on ways to also promote economic development opportunities for tribes based in Michigan. This is a positive first project, and we look forward to more collaboration moving forward.” MEDC receives state revenue sharing funds from tribal casinos.
In July, the tribe and state a Partial Settlement Agreement under which a portion of Gun Lake Casino state revenue sharing funds will be directed to GLIMI, a newly formed entity overseen by the tribe and the state. The convenience store project is the first GLIMI-funded development.
