Forest County Potawatomi Tribe seeks decision on rival casino


Artist's rendering of the proposed Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. Image from Casino Kenosha

The Forest County Potawatomi Community is calling on Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) to make a decision on the Menominee Nation off-reservation casino.

Walker asked the Bureau of Indian Affairs for a six-month extension on the $800 million casino in Kenosha. That would put the matter off until early 2015.

But the Potawatomis insist there's no reason for the delay. The tribe wants Walker to judge the casino on the criteria he originally discussed last year.

"He said he would only approve a new casino if there was local support, consensus among all 11 tribes in Wisconsin and it did not lead to a net increase in gaming," Potawatomi spokesperson George Ermert told WXPR.

The Potawatomis oppose the casino and they believe that should end the discussion. Walker, however, appears to be focusing on economic issues and that could lead him to approve the project.

The Potawatomis operate an off-reservation casino in Milwaukee, about 40 miles from Kenosha.

Get the Story:
Potawatomi Tribe Asks Govenor To Make Casino Decision (WXPR 3/12)

Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section 20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino

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