Little River Band might buy additional land near gaming site

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Artist's rendering of proposed off-reservation casino in Fruitport Township, Michigan. Image from Little River Band

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians in Michigan might buy additional land near its off-reservation gaming site.

But the 120 acres in Fruitport Township won't be used for gaming, MLive reports. The tribe has entered into an agreement that could result in the purchase of the land for $500,000.

"At this time, the tribe is conducting a due diligence assessment of the property," spokesperson Glenn Zaring told MLive "Once completed, a study will be conducted to ascertain the best use of the property for the benefit of our tribal citizens and the community at large."

The site is about four miles south of the proposed $180 million casino in Fruitport Township. The project saw strong local support at a Bureau of Indian Affairs hearing last month.

The BIA is working on an environmental impact statement and could issue a scoping report this winter. The document will be followed a draft EIS, more public comments and then a final EIS.

Sometime after that, the BIA would issue a record of decision. If the agency approves, the final say rests with the state's governor because the tribe is pursuing the development under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Get the Story:
Tribe behind Fruitport casino signs $500,000 agreement to buy school land (MLive 11/10)

Federal Register Notice:
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Fruitport Casino Project, Fruitport Township, Muskegon County, Michigan (September 21, 2015)