Artist's rendering of proposed Little River Band off-reservation casino in Fruitport Township, Michigan.
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians in Michigan is moving forward with plans for a $180 million off-reservation casino. The tribe submitted a land-into-trust application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs on Monday. It could take 18 months to two years before a decision is made, Ogema Larry Romanelli said. “We want to provide for our tribal members, and the local community,” Romanelli told Up North Live. “And this would be, again, getting back into the market in a fair way and a reasonable way. We’re excited about it. It’s a big step forward.” Plans call for a facility with 69,000 square-feet of gaming floor space, 1,700 slot machines, 35 table games, a 220-room hotel, conference and meeting room space, and dining and entertainment options The casino would located at a former racetrack in Fruitport Township. The tribe is pursuing the casino under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. If the BIA approves, the state governor will have veto authority over the project. The 60-acre site is about 80 miles from the reservation. Get the Story:
Tribe moves forward with casino plans (Up North Live 2/25)
Tribe moves forward with Muskegon casino plans (WZZM 2/25)
Plans move forward to build casino in Muskegon County (Fox17 2/25)
Tribe seeks off-reservation casino near Muskegon (The Detroit Free Press 2/25) Related Stories:
Little River Band submits application for off-reservation casino (2/24)
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