Minnesota-based White Earth Nation has revealed plans to build a new casino in the state and presented its proposal to the local council where the venue could be built.
White Earth Nation recently purchased 280 acres of land near Moorhead for the new casino development. The project also includes a convention center, hotel and truck stop.
After an initial announcement, the tribe has progressed plans, holding talks with Moorhead City Council. Valley News Live reports that the tribe has also spoken with the Clay County Commission to secure additional support.
White Earth Nation is keen to place the land into a trust with the federal government. This would mean that it would not pay property taxes. However, the tribe is yet to take this step.
Public Uncertainty Over Casino Project
The tribe did encounter opposition during the Clay County Commission meeting. Some of the citizens in attendance flagged certain concerns about the project.
Issues raised include an increase in law enforcement and fire department calls to the casino without the tribe paying property taxes funding the services. There were also concerns over transparency, with some saying if the land is put into a trust, the county would have no say on anything being done with the land.
As for the council, several members raised similar concerns, with the land trust issue flagged again. One member questioned if it is possible to put a portion of the land into trust.
Should the project get the green light, the venue would feature a gaming floor spanning up to 100,000 square feet, housing 1,200 slot machines and 12 table games. The convention center and banquet areas would cover 120,000 square feet and could accommodate concerts.
White Earth plans on hiring 550 people and offering a $19-per-hour minimum wage, with a lower wage for tipped workers.
