Michigan attorney general opposes Sault Tribe gaming project

Friday, May 18, 2012  

Michigan attorney general Bill Schuette, whose office is fighting an off-reservation casino in court, is also opposing an off-reservation casino for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

In a letter to the Interior Department, Schuette said the proposed casino in downtown Lansing violates state and federal law, along with the tribal-state Class III gaming compact. He urged the Obama administration to reject the project.

The tribe plans to submit a land-into-trust application for the $245 million Kewadin Lansing Casino this summer. The site will be acquired using funds from the Michigan Indian Land Claims Settlement Act.

A provision in the law requires the Interior Department to place settlement lands in trust. A similar claim is being made by the Bay Mills Indian Community, whose off-reservation casino is being challenged in court by Schuette.

Get the Story:
Lansing casino opposed by Attorney General's office in letter to feds (The Lansing State Journal 5/18)
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette writes federal government to oppose Lansing casino project (The Detroit Free Press 5/18)
State AG letter questions legality of proposed Lansing casino (The Detroit News 5/18)
State A.G. Expresses 'Grave' Concern Over Lansing Casino Proposal (IPR 5/17)

Related Stories:
MPR: Sault Tribe wrapping up vote for off-reservation casino (4/30)