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In June of last year, Governor Gretchen Whitmer turned down a proposition from the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians in Fruitport Township for an off-reservation casino.
The US Department of Interior’s imminent decision on federal recognition of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians was the pivotal factor in Whitmer’s decision.
The Grand River Bands’ recognition request was rejected by the DOI after a long period of waiting, as it did not meet one of the seven necessary criteria for acknowledgment.
Little River Band is now seeking to reconsider their proposition for a fresh casino establishment in Muskegon County.
“I have reached out to the governor to arrange a meeting and discuss her current thoughts,” stated Larry Romanelli, Tribal Ogema of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, in an interview with Playinmichigan. “The delay over the past year has been due to awaiting federal recognition. While one should not necessarily rely on the other, I understand her perspective. However, now that the determination has been made, I believe we are prepared to move forward. Personally, I am hopeful for the governor’s approval of the project.”
Little River rejected as Grand River Bands decision loomed
In late 2020, the Department of Interior granted approval to Little River Band, the operators of Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, for an off-reservation casino in Fruitport Township.
Afterwards, the tribe was required to engage in discussions for a fresh gaming compact with the state, which necessitated Gov. Whitmer’s approval.
In June of last year, Whitmer declined the tribe’s proposal just as the deadline for a decision was approaching. Her decision was influenced by the imminent ruling from the DOI regarding the Grand River Band’s bid for federal recognition.
If the Grand River Bands had been acknowledged, they would have had the right to claim land near the planned casino in Fruitport Township. Due to the lack of this crucial information, Whitmer believed she was in an exceedingly difficult situation and unable to make a decision.
The DOI had actually encouraged Little River Band to resubmit their application for the new casino in November, prior to making a decision on Grand River Bands.
Romanelli is looking for assurance from Gov. Whitmer that resubmitting to the DOI would not lead to another long-term defeat.
Romanelli stated that when the first package was rejected, it added extra steps for them as they would need to resubmit another package. However, the Department of Interior has assured that the process won’t be lengthy once the new package is submitted. Romanelli also mentioned that they have plans in place to proceed with resubmitting once they receive approval from the state governor.
The deadline for Grand River Bands to submit new evidence to challenge the proposed findings of the DOI’s Bureau of Indian Affairs is 180 days from the Feb. 23 decision.
Little River Fruitport casino project first proposed in 2015
Little River band acquired a piece of land in Fruitport Township back in 2008, intending to transform it into a casino situated away from their reservation.
In 2015, the tribe initially applied for the project.
The casino site, spanning almost 87 acres, is conveniently situated off Harvey St. near I-96.
At that moment, the project was estimated to cost $180 million and have a completion timeline of approximately two years. The proposed plans include:
- There are 69,000 square feet dedicated to gaming on the floor.
- 1,700 slot machines
- 35 table games
- 220-room hotel
- Dining and entertainment space
- Event and meeting rooms
According to Romanelli, if we resubmit and proceed with this project, it has the potential to generate 3,000-5,000 jobs. Moreover, it won’t incur any cost to the government or the state. In fact, once the project is operational, it is anticipated that we would increase payments to the state. We have not requested any state funding, and realistically, it can create 3,000-5,000 job opportunities. Therefore, I fail to see any drawbacks to this proposal.
According to Romanelli’s projections, the casino’s annual state tax revenue is expected to reach approximately $12 million once it becomes operational. In 2022, the Little River Casino Resort in Manistee contributed nearly $1.5 million to the local government.
The casino proposal has received strong support from both Fruitport Township and Muskegon County.
Muskegon County has provided us with significant support, and that support continues to be strong,” Romanelli expressed. “We enjoy bipartisan political backing, as well as the support of schools, unions, local community, and businesses. Everyone has been incredibly supportive, recognizing the significance of this project for Western Michigan. The community is eagerly awaiting its realization, and it would be truly devastating for them if it were to not come to fruition.”
Clock is ticking for Little River Band’s proposed casino
Romanelli and the Little River Band are currently in a state of anticipation, waiting for Gov. Whitmer to make the next move.
As of now, Whitmer has not responded to their request for a meeting.
According to Romanelli, it is my understanding that the process may take 3-6 months to occur again. If we receive a positive response from the governor now, and if we obtain approval in the next 3-6 months, we could initiate the necessary preparations before the arrival of snow. Our intention is to get ahead and commence the project as soon as possible.
Our request for an update on the Fruitport Township casino was not responded to by Gov. Whitmer’s office.
According to Romanelli, the tribe’s project cannot be delayed any further due to escalating costs.
Romanelli expressed doubt that the situation would persist for another year, stating that they cannot sustain the financial burden and prolong the issue. They firmly believed that a positive and timely resolution should occur.
Even though Romanelli feels the pressure of time, he remains hopeful and optimistic about the construction of the casino.
He expressed a strong sense of optimism and confidence, stating that he couldn’t find any drawbacks or reasons for it not to be approved. He admitted that it would be extremely disappointing if it didn’t happen, believing that history would prove it to be a mistake. He emphasized that they have followed the correct procedures and are continuing to do so, but ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of the governor.
This photo is provided by the US Department of the Interior, LRBOI.
