As Muskegon County Casino Project Deadline Looms, Its Supporters Rally

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Supporters of the potential Muskegon County tribal casino are making their voices heard as time ticks away for state approval. Demonstrating their unwavering support, a large group recently assembled for a rally, determined to spread their message far and wide.

Their messaging will prove to be highly effective in due course. The state of Michigan has only a few weeks left to take action, and failing to do so will essentially be a rejection of the necessary requirements to advance the project as desired by its supporters.

Muskegon County tribal casino supporters rally

Earlier this week, a gathering took place at the Muskegon Museum of Art, where representatives from various organizations associated with the project convened. Among the attendees were the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the tribal group who possess the land intended for the casino. Additionally, several other entities were present at the event.

• Fruitport Township can be rewritten as “the Township of Fruitport.”
• The Carpenters’ Regional Council of Michigan
• Commission of Muskegon County
• The Chamber of Commerce in Muskegon
• West Michigan Building Trades is a collective of skilled trade workers in the western region of Michigan.

In addition, present at the rally were MI Senator Jon Bumstead, MI Representative Terry Sabo, and Muskegon Heights Mayor Walter Watt. Speaking on behalf of his people, Larry Romanelli, Tribal Omega of the LRBOI, addressed the gathering.

Romanelli expressed his belief that obtaining the governor’s approval would enable the creation of 3,000 job opportunities, with the initial work commencing within a few months. He further highlighted the overwhelming backing received from community leaders, businesses, unions, and individuals within the county. According to him, these stakeholders recognize the necessity of the jobs, revenues, and advantages that a Muskegon casino would bring to the region.

Additional individuals who took the microphone also expressed their backing, highlighting job creation, economic growth, and the potential for boosting tourism as their rationale for desiring the realization of the project. Presently, the casino requires all the support it can gather, as the clock is ticking.

What needs to happen quickly for the casino to move forward

The tribe is eager to start construction on its 86-acre plot, but it is currently unable to do so without making changes to its plans. In order to comply with its existing compact with the federal and state governments, the LRBOI must exclude casino gaming from the project. The compact limits the tribe to operate their existing casino near Manistee.

The LRBOI requires an amendment to the compact to be able to provide gambling services near Fruitport. The new terms of the compact were approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, a department of the US Department of the Interior, in December of last year.

Despite this, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has not yet completed the deal. She has until December 16th to either provide her consent or request a six-month extension from the bureau. To halt the plans, all she needs to do is refrain from taking any action.

What could be the reason for Whitmer’s choice to let the deadline pass without taking any action, despite the considerable support for the project from numerous local interests? It’s important to remember that as the governor of the entire state, Whitmer’s responsibility extends beyond just Muskegon County.

Other parties in different locations would rather Fruitport continue to be casino-free.

Earlier this year, the Bureau was requested by three rival tribal groups operating casinos in Michigan to reevaluate its endorsement of the compact, which serves as an illustration of these objections. Additionally, opposition has emerged from leaders in Detroit, Wayne County, and the Michigan legislature.

In just over a month, this situation will be resolved, regardless of the outcome. If there is no update from Whitmer’s office by Dec. 16, supporters of the project may consider organizing additional events to advocate for their cause.

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