Michigan Tribe Nearing Casino Project Approval

The proposed construction of a casino in Fruitport Township in western Michigan could be soon given the green light, should a public hearing scheduled by federal regulators turn out favorable. The request for a casino project in this town was submitted by The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.

The tribe’s idea is to use the former race track, Great Lake Downs, and convert it into a gaming property, about 30 miles of Grand Rapids. They are looking for consent from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Public Hearing Before the Consent

Studies on the project were approved in 2013 by Michigan, Governor Rick Snyder, and five years later, the tribe may finally be allowed to carry on with the casino project for which it purchased the land in Muskegon County in 2008.

As far as the details of it go…

…they would invest into it approximately $180 million – this would create a 69,000-square-feet of space with gambling floor containing 1700 slot machines and 35 table games.

Also in plans is a 220-room hotel. Projected year for the casino opening is 2020 and would provide jobs for 1200 people in this region.

The Question of Environmental Impact

One of the factors that played a significant role in realization of this venture was the tribe’s draft environmental impact statement:

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has published the draft in which ways of project’s potential land, water, air quality, noise and public services impact were thoroughly detailed.

Officials of Muskegon County and Fruitport Township have voiced their to the casino project.

The State of Things in State of Michigan

In 1996, voters of Michigan approved casinos in their state and ever since, the industry has been on a steady increase. The state also permits bingo and lottery, while this summer proved crucial for legalization of online gambling – in June, state lawmakers advanced the bill that would regulate this.

Finally, at the beginning of December, the bill was ed that regulates both online gambling and fantasy sports…

…the regulation was overseen by Michigan Gaming Control Board who will be the responsible body for continuing to enforce rules and regulations relating to online gambling market in the state.

One of the sponsors of the bill, Brandt Iden of Republican Part commented on the occasion: “We know companies like FanDuel and DraftKings currently operate in this space, and these companies have come to us and said, like other states, Michigan should be regulated.”

Source:

“Tribe Moves Closer to Getting Approval for Casino Project”, usnews.com, December 10, 2018.