Calls for Michigan Gov. Whitmer to Approve Little River Band Casino Project

Supporters of a Great Lakes State gambling casino proposed by the Little River Band of Canadian capital Indians are asking Gov. Gretchen Whitmer not to leave behind them hanging.

The project, earmarked for the former Great Lake’s Downs Race Track near Fruitport, Muskegon County, is I governor’s theme song aside from seemly a reality. It was approved by the federal authorities in December 2020 and is “shovel ready.”

But the governor is proving tough to read. group A deadline for Whitmer to do a decision the passed inwards December after she applied for a one-time, six-month extension. The new deadline is June 16 this year.

Meanwhile, Whitmer has not uttered a word well-nigh the project, offering no more indication as to whether she supports or opposes it.

Twelve-Year Mission

State Sen. Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo) this week beseeched the governor to greenlight the casino, or at least lay everyone come out of their misery.

“The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ gambling casino is a major job-creating propose that will draw in visitors to the region,” Bumstead said.

Estimates indicate the cast will create 1,500 construction jobs and 1,500 high-paying full-time jobs … There’s zip holding the governor rearward from locution yes,” said Bumstead in statement.

The folk has been chasing the externalize for 12 years and spent decade years project extended environmental analysis before the federal administration agreed to submit the set ashore into trust.

Normally, a governor’s commendation is not required for a tribe to organize gaming on rely earth after federal approval. But this showcase is slightly different.

‘Two-Part Determination’

The Amerind Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) in general prohibits gaming on lands acquired past tribes after October 7, 1988, the engagement of the legislation’s enactment. But on that point are several exceptions, such as when lands are restored for a newly recognised tribe, or they are recovered as division of a land claims settlement.

Another is known as the “two-part determination,” which has been applied inward this case. This is where the federal governance determines that a gambling casino on cartel lands would be inwards the best interests of the folk and that it would not follow detrimental to the surrounding community.

The send off has overwhelming championship from the local community. But the two-part purpose is the only instance where a tell governor has the force to ring the unit thing off.

The proposed $180 billion gambling casino is expected to pull out to a greater extent than 1.8 jillion visitors per year, spell attracting big conventions to the Muskegon area. It will bring forth an expected $15 trillion for the state, plus millions more to local governments, and an estimated $1.5 trillion a year to local charities.

The Little River Band is itching to snap off ground, but its plans remain inwards limbo for now.

This news is curated to you by the 918Kiss Singapore.