Officials in Romulus, Michigan, are awaiting action on bill to authorize an off-reservation casino in their city.

The city supports the casino sought by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. They say the project would generate jobs and revenue in the economically depressed area.

The House Natural Resources Committee approved H.R. 4115, a bill to end the tribe's land claim in exchange for land in Romulus. The site will be eligible for gaming.

The bill, and another one to approve an off-reservation casino for the Bay Mills Indian Community, have generated a lot of controversy in Congress. Opponents include members of the Congressional Black Caucus and Detroit, which is home to three commercial casinos.

“We’ve been told that no matter how this goes, we should know how to proceed in about 30 days,” Mayor Alan Lambert told The Journal Newspapers.

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Local casino wins committee OK (The Journal Newspapers 2/21)