Indianhead Tribal Casino Project Seeks Grant To Push Itself Further Down The Road

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The possibility of a Michigan tribal casino on Indianhead Mountain remains uncertain. The prospects for the Indianhead tribal casino will be delayed even further if the neighboring county in the Upper Peninsula successfully obtains a grant from the state.

The Gogebic County Road Commission is seeking funds exceeding one million dollars from the state treasury to reconstruct a road essential for reaching the prospective future gambling site. However, even if this endeavor proves fruitful, there is still a challenging journey ahead.

Michigan tribal casino project needs a path to success

The current condition of the road that links US 2 to the proposed casino and hotel site is insufficient to accommodate the anticipated traffic volume generated by such a facility. The GCRC has the opportunity to secure up to $1.4 million for the reconstruction of this road.

The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians in Watersmeet has made a commitment to fulfill the 30% matching requirement in order to secure the grant. Back in 2014, the tribe acquired a 20-acre piece of land near Wakefield Township for an off-reservation resort.

The commission intends to commence construction in 2022 if funding is secured. The idea of establishing a casino in the region has garnered support from local municipalities and businesses, such as the township and Big Snow Resort.

The aim is to take advantage of the influx of tourists in the region. Individuals from neighboring states and other parts of Michigan visit to ski and appreciate the picturesque mountain views. Big Snow Resort frequently reaches maximum capacity, indicating the necessity for additional lodging options.

Indianhead tribal casino plans in the U.P.

In all fairness, the idea of establishing a casino on Indianhead Mountain has been under development for a span of six years.

The tribe and the ski resort owners entered into a letter of intent in 2014, outlining the Indianhead gambling project which entails building a casino and hotel on the premises.

The aim of the hotel is to become a luxurious destination resort in the western U.P, offering 140 beds along with an attached casino and retail facilities. It is anticipated that the resort and casino will generate 200 employment opportunities in the area.

After the completion of the road, the Indianhead tribe can begin executing their plans for a tribal casino. Initially, their focus will likely be on establishing a hotel and retail locations. However, the process of setting up a casino is quite complex, especially considering its tribal nature. Therefore, the path ahead may entail some twists and turns.

How to get a tribal casino into the fast lane

The new Indianhead tribal casino generally enjoys strong backing from the neighboring community, but due to its location on a non-reservation 20-acre site, the tribe requires intervention from the federal government. The US Department of the Interior must step in to take the land into trust. However, achieving this can be a somewhat challenging process.

Maintaining boundaries while engaging in gambling introduces an extra level of challenge. The tribe has dedicated several years towards developing the application. To achieve the desired outcome, the tribe must persuade the DOI that utilizing the land will bring overall advantages to the tribe.

Luckily, the tribe possesses a certain level of expertise as they currently manage the Northern Waters Casino Resort located in Watersmeet. Additionally, a potential advantage for them is the fact that the nominee chosen by President-Elect Joe Biden to lead the Department of the Interior is of Native American descent.

However, success is not guaranteed. Currently, there is no specified timeframe for the establishment of a casino on the land. Nevertheless, it remains a long-term aspiration. If the GCRC grant proposal is approved, it will pave the way towards achieving success.

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