Artist's rendering of proposed Little River Band off-reservation casino in Muskegon, Michigan.
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians in Michigan is moving forward with plans for an off-reservation casino. The tribe submitted a land-into-trust application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for a 60-acre site in Fruitport Township. The property was home to a racetrack. "For the past seven years, we have worked with the Muskegon region to bring viable economic development to both of our communities," Ogema Larry Romanelli said in a press release. "This project would jumpstart the local economy and help provide support for expanded tribal government services for our tribal members." Plans call for a facility with 69,000 square-feet of gaming floor space, 1,700 slot machines, 35 table games, a 220-room hotel, conference and meeting room space, and dining and entertainment options
Little River Band of Ottawa Ogema Larry Romanelli and Tribal Council Speaker Virg Johnson with Bureau of Indian Affairs officials Diane Baker (l) and Diane Rosen (r) at the Bureau of Indian Affairs office in Minneapolis. Photo from Little River Band
The tribe is pursuing the casino under the two-part determination provisions of
the Indian
Gaming Regulatory Act. If the BIA approves, the
state governor will have veto authority over the project.
Muskegon County casino proposal by Little River Band of Ottawa Indians moves ahead (The Muskegon Chronicle 2/24)
Tribe moves forward with Muskegon casino plans (WZZM 2/14)
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