Michigan tribe casino approval delayed

Governor Gretchen Whitmer received a six-month extension to either approve or deny the proposal.

US.- The fate of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ proposed Muskegon County casino, a project 12 years in the making, is still uncertain. Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer had until December 16 to approve or deny the $180m casino proposal but has received a six-month extension. 

Tribal ogema Larry Romanelli told MLive/Muskegon Chronicle that the delayed decision is “not completely unexpected” because the governor is also dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We’ve been at it 12 years and another six months seems like a long time,” Romanelli said. “But I understand the reasoning.”

Since 2008, the tribe has been working towards constructing a 149,000-square-foot casino and 220-room hotel at the former Great Lakes Downs Racetrack site in Fruitport Township.

Whitmer’s approval would be the final step in a two-part approval process. The tribe said in May it had received the necessary federal approvals and was awaiting the state’s approval. The Little River Band’s eligible tribal land is based in Manistee County, but the tribe says it’s close to its original Muskegon reservation.

The US Department of Interior signed off on the project on December 16, 2020, saying the casino would be in the “best interest of the tribe” and “would not be detrimental” to the community.

The proposal was then handed to Whitmer who had 12 months to decide. She has now received a six-month extension from the federal government. Three tribes that operate casinos near Fruitport Township oppose the project.

“Our administration is continuing to review the proposal,” Bobby Leddy, the governor’s press secretary, said in an email to MLive.

See also: Michigan tribe hopes for governor’s approval to build casino