Michigan tribe scores victory in casino land case

Tuesday, March 29, 2005  

After years of delays, a Michigan tribe moved a step closer to opening a casino on Friday thanks to a federal judge's decision in a land-into-trust lawsuit.

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians obtained federal approval to acquire 675 acres in the New Buffalo Township for an initial reservation. But a group called the Taxpayers of Michigan Against Casinos (TOMAC) has tied up the acquisition in court.

TOMAC's effort hit a roadblock when Judge James Robertson dismissed the group's last challenge to the land-into-trust request. [PDF] The tribe hopes the ruling will finally clear the way for a 144,000-square-foot casino.

Get the Story:
Pokagons clear last casino hurdle (The Dowagiac News 3/28)
Michigan ruling clears way for Lakes casino (The Twin Cities Business Journal 3/28)