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The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ proposal for an off-reservation casino in Fruitport Township has been denied.
In a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made the announcement on Wednesday, just before the June 16 deadline, regarding the decision.
Whitmer expressed her frustration at being denied an extension beyond the initial six-month deadline, stating that she believed she was trapped in an “unmanageable situation.”
After being in development since 2008, a proposed $180 million casino and hotel project has come to an abrupt halt.
Lack of Grand River determination causes Whitmer to decline
On Wednesday afternoon, a statement was released by Gov. Whitmer which contained the following information:
I am expressing my disagreement with the proposal put forth by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians to establish an off-reservation casino in Fruitport Township. This decision comes after the U.S. Department of the Interior declined to extend a crucial deadline for this matter and did not provide details regarding a separate tribal recognition decision that is presently awaiting resolution within the Department.
Since 1994, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians have been striving to be recognized as a tribe by the federal government. Whitmer is now mentioning a deadline of October 12 for this recognition to take place.
If that were to occur, the Grand River Bands would have the right to claim land near the location where Little River had intended to construct their new hotel and casino.
The decision on the proposed casino was initially due to be made by Whitmer on Dec. 16, but she was given a 180-day extension.
She urged the Department of Interior to issue a verdict on Grand River Bands before October 12th, or grant her a more generous deadline extension. However, her request for a longer extension was rejected, and as of now, no determination has been reached regarding the status of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians.
Whitmer expressed her disappointment as the Department of Interior disregarded her plea to extend the June 16 deadline for the decision. She had sought additional time to allow the Department to provide her with necessary information, which would aid in making a significant decision. Whitmer emphasized that it is crucial for the Department of Interior to first determine if they will grant federal recognition to the neighboring Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, as this information is vital for making an informed choice.
Little River disappointed by decision
According to FOX 17 West Michigan, Tribal Omega Larry Romanelli of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians was notified about the decision before Whitmer released the letter.
Romanelli expressed his disappointment with the decision and believed that Whitmer had made her decision based on completely inaccurate information.
In her statement, Whitmer recognized the tribe and highlighted the significant local backing that the proposal received.
She acknowledged that the Little River Band and local community supporters may be disappointed by the lack of agreement, and she recognized the considerable time and resources invested in the proposal.
Little River was required to seek approval from Whitmer since their casino in Fruitport Township was not located on their tribal grounds. Although facing resistance from other tribal casino operators in the state, as well as Detroit and Wayne County, Whitmer stood as the last obstacle for Little River to overcome.
State Senator Jon Bumstead (R-North Muskegon) issued a statement regarding Whitmer’s decision on the proposal, which aimed to bring 3,000 new jobs to the Muskegon area, including 1,500 permanent positions.
He expressed that today was a sorrowful day for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Muskegon residents, and those in the nearby area. Their governor made the unfortunate decision to reject a casino project that had overwhelming support from local to national levels. With this project, Governor Whitmer had the power to generate 3,000 well-paying jobs effortlessly and without any cost to taxpayers. It appears that she prefers to spend the money of hardworking individuals rather than assisting them in earning it.
