Muskegon County Tribal Casino Project Drawing Opposition On Several Fronts

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According to a recent report from West Michigan, a tribal casino in Muskegon County is nearing completion.

Assuming this scenario, to continue with the metaphor, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians will be forcefully navigating through a formidable defensive line, consisting of numerous formidable opponents.

Opposition has been expressed by various Michigan tribes, state legislature members, and political officials from metro Detroit.

The momentum behind the Fruitport Township project may be too powerful to resist.

However, as has been indicated this week, the defense will not remain silent.

Little River Band of Ottawa Indians hoping to break ground

For more than ten years, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians has been diligently working towards the establishment of the Muskegon County tribal casino project. This initiative aims to complement the existing Little River Casino in Manistee. In their pursuit, the tribe has forged a partnership with BetRivers Casino, enabling them to offer internet casino and sports betting services.

In 2008, the tribe acquired a piece of land situated on Harvey Street, near The Lakes Mall and Interstate 96. Their intention was to transform this property into an off-reservation casino.

As part of the “West Michigan In Progress” series, WOOD-TV from Grand Rapids recently featured a profile on the project, providing viewers and readers with an update.

Tribal Ogema Larry Romanelli stated that the $180 million project, including a 220-room hotel, was progressing smoothly.

“We have reached the point where it’s crucial to advance this project to its final stages,” Romanelli informed WOOD. “This involves obtaining approval from the governor and also securing the Legislature’s endorsement. It’s imperative that we expedite this process as we are essentially prepared to begin construction.”

According to Romanelli’s estimation, the property will be prepared for use within two years after the commencement of construction.

Muskegon project needs governor, legislature approval

According to Romanelli, the tribal casino project in Muskegon County still requires the consent of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state legislature.

The reason for this is that the tribe must modify the gaming compact that was initially established in 1998 with the state government, thereby permitting the existence of Little River Casino.

This year, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a resolution expressing its disapproval.

The February resolution, proposed by Rep. Roger Hauck, a Republican representing Union Township, expressed opposition towards the uncontrolled expansion of off-reservation gaming within Michigan state.

FireKeepers, Gun Lake, Soaring Eagle tribes oppose casino

A collective statement was issued by three tribes from Michigan, expressing their dissent against regional visitors, upon whom they heavily depend.

The FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek, Gun Lake Casino in Wayland, and Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant are all owned and managed by the tribes. These casinos are conveniently located within a two-hour drive from Muskegon.

According to the statement, the proposed casino would breach Section 9 of the gaming compacts, which mandates written approval from all other Michigan tribes for the establishment of new off-reservation casinos.

The ninth section of the compact between the state and Little River Band stipulates that:

If there is no prior written agreement between the Tribe and the other federally recognized Indian Tribes in the State, which ensures revenue sharing for any gaming facility proposed to be established outside of eligible Indian lands, as defined in Section 2(B) of this Compact, then an application to take land in trust for gaming purposes cannot be submitted to the Secretary of the Interior.

According to the statement, former Governor Rick Snyder played a role in a backroom political deal that enabled the project to bypass Section 9.

The statement urged the Detroit City Council to take a similar stance against the Muskegon project and another one that would have a more direct impact on the local community.

Detroit, Wayne County officials weigh in

Detroit area politicians became involved in the matter this month due to the ongoing pursuit of a comparable project by another tribe in Wayne County.

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians has made multiple attempts over the years to construct casinos in Lansing and near Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Romulus.

This month, the Romulus and Muskegon projects faced opposition as the Detroit City Council passed a resolution against them.

In a news release, councilmember Scott Benson, who represents the city’s third district and advocated for the council’s resolution, expressed concerns about the potential impact of these suggested casinos on our casino revenue, valuable union jobs, the general fund, as well as the income and property taxes paid by casino employees.

My focus is on prioritizing the residents of Detroit, and our efforts are dedicated to safeguarding them.

According to James Nye, a spokesperson for the three opposing tribes, a similar resolution was issued by the Wayne County Board of Commissioners on Thursday.

Tribe: Casino project will benefit Muskegon area

In the Muskegon area, the Little River Band continues to make progress.

After obtaining approval from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs, the tribe has announced plans to establish a casino that would generate 3,000 employment opportunities, with 1,500 dedicated to construction work.

The tribe has stated that it plans to generate $15 million in state tax revenue.

“This project has been anything but simple,” Romanelli remarked. “I embarked on it in my 50s and now, in my 70s, it has spanned a considerable length of time.”

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