Opinion: Menominee Nation off-reservation casino a win for state

The Menominee Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will create about 3,000 jobs in Kenosha. That equates to a payroll of about $135 million, assuming an average wage package of $45,000 per employee.

About 1,500 jobs will be created during the multi-phased construction build-out. Based on an average wage of $25 an hour, annual salaries will equal approximately $65 million.

The casino will also generate an additional 1,400 indirect jobs located in Kenosha supporting the casino. That nets out to payroll additions of nearly $37 million annually, assuming an average pay rate of $15 per hour.

When the Kenosha casino is approved, southeastern Wisconsin will receive an economic boost from the $800 million investment made by the Menominee’s partners, Hard Rock International. That’s $800 million coming in from an out-of-state entity.

When this destination resort is fully operational, income will flow north from Kenosha to Keshena and the rest of the Menominee Reservation located an hour northwest of Lambeau Field. This income is already earmarked to improve the infrastructure and living conditions of the tribal members on the reservation. It includes nearly $230 million in construction projects on the reservation for healthcare, education and housing. All of this revenue will directly improve the quality of life for one of the poorest and largest tribes in Wisconsin. Tribal leaders project adding 775 new jobs on the reservation, adding another $19 million to its payroll.

Northeastern Wisconsin will get another $800 million economic boost in the first 10 years the Kenosha casino is open. About 3,925 indirect and induced jobs will be created to support the reservation with a wide-range of goods, services and construction projects created by the infusion of new capital to the tribe.