Casino Stalker

BIA's move on Michigan tribe's recognition bid stirs casino talk

Friday, February 28, 2014

The Bureau of Indian Affairs will finally make a decision on the federal recognition petition submitted by the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians and that's stirring talk of a casino in Muskegon, Michigan.

The tribe, whose ancestors signed the 1855 Treaty with the Ottawa and Chippewa, has expressed interest in gaming. But even if the BIA approves the petition, it could take several years for the tribe to acquire land, negotiate a Class III gaming compact and complete other steps in the lengthy process.

Officials in Muskegon are open to a casino. But Mayor Steve Gawron said waiting isn't an option.

“I won’t wait for a casino,” Gawron told MLive. “We need development now.”

The recognized Little River Band of Ottawa Indians wants to build an off-reservation casino near Muskegon. That process, however, could also take years.

Get the Story:
Federal tribal recognition letter leads MLive readers to again debate Muskegon Indian casino issue (MLive 2/27)
Mayor Steve Gawron: The city of Muskegon 'is not waiting for a casino' (MLive 2/24)