Artist's rendering of the proposed Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. Image from Casino Kenosha
The Menominee Nation of Wisconsin believes the Bureau of Indian Affairs will take speedy action on its new Class III gaming compact. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the BIA has 45 days to review a compact. But the tribe has apparently asked for a quicker answer because Gov. Scott Walker (R) faces a February 19 deadline to decide on the proposed off-reservation casino in Kenosha. "We have assurances the BIA will review the compact and decide before the deadline on the governor is upon us," tribal spokesperson Michael Beightol told The Kenosha News. The new compact requires the tribe to share 7.5 percent of net winnings from the $800 million Kenosha casino. The payments would come to $1 billion over 25 years, Chairwoman Laurie Boivin said on Tuesday. The tribe also agreed to address losses incurred by the Forest County Potawatomi Community. and the Ho-Chunk Nation. If the revenue sharing payments from those tribes fall below $37.5 million in any particular year, the Menominees will make up the difference. Get the Story:
Casino’s next step: BIA decision on gaming compact (The Kenosha News 1/22)
Lawmakers weigh in as Menominee compact amendment sent to federal officials ahead of casino deadline (WITI 1/21)
Memo outlines further financial impacts of Menominee compact amendment (Wisconsin Election Watch 1/21)
Warning issued on new casino compact (AP 1/21) An Opinion:
Steve Lund: A sweetener for the tribes (The Kenosha News 1/22) Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section 20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino
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