Turtle Mountain Band pitches plan for urban casino

Tuesday, November 9, 2004  

Officials with the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa presented their off-reservation casino plan to the Grand Forks, North Dakota, city council on Monday night.

Tribal leaders said they are ready to meet with anyone, from local officials to non-profit groups, about the proposal. Chairman-elect Ken Davis said the tribe wants to preserve its long relationship with the city.

The tribe says a $15 million, 1,000-slot machine casino will employ 750 people at the start, making it one of the region's largest employers. The tribe says it will generate revenues and tourism for the city and other organizations.

North Dakota's other tribes oppose the idea. They say it will hurt their casinos, all of which are located on reservations.

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GRAND FORKS: Casino campaign (The Grand Forks Herald 11/9)