The Menominee Nation of Wisconsin is seeing progress on its long-delayed off-reservation casino.

After more than eight years of work, the Bureau of Indian Affairs has issued the final environmental impact statement for the project. That puts the tribe a step closer to a casino in Kenosha, about 200 miles from the reservation.

"This is a great step forward for the Menominee Tribe, citizens of Kenosha, and the State of Wisconsin. A project of this magnitude will bring over 5,000 good paying new jobs to Wisconsin, while also creating thousands of family sustaining construction jobs," Chairman Craig Corn said in a press release today.

The notice of the final EIS was published in the Federal Register today. It triggers a 30-day public comment period, after which the Obama administration can make a decision whether to approve the casino.

If that answer is yes, the tribe will need approval from the state governor. The project is being reviewed under the two-part determination section of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which gives the state veto authority over the casino.

The Bush administration previously rejected the casino, saying it was too far from the reservation. The tribe sued but reached a settlement with the Obama administration and resubmitted its application.

Federal Register Notice:
Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin's Proposed Fee-to-Trust Transfer and Casino-Hotel Project in the City of Kenosha, Kenosha County, WI (June 29, 2012)

Related Stories:
Menominee Nation withdraws from off-reservation gaming deal (5/25)