Artist's rendering of the proposed Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. Image from Casino Kenosha
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) faces a February 19 deadline to make a decision on the Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the $800 million casino in Kenosha under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The law gives Walker the final stay over the project, which enjoys strong local support. As part of the process, Walker negotiated a Class III gaming compact amendment with the Forest County Potawatomi Community. The agreement requires the state to compensate the tribe for any losses from the Menominee casino, an amount put at $100 million. The BIA is reviewing the agreement and is expected to announce a decision in the coming days. The answer will help Walker determine whether to approve the Menominee casino. The Menominees don't believe the provision will stand up to scrutiny so they are confident Walker can move forward with their casino. The tribe also dissolved an agreement with labor unions in hopes of addressing any concerns about employment matters. Get the Story:
Tribe, union dissolve pact in bid to sway Scott Walker on Kenosha casino (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 1/6)
Council backs resolution urging casino approval (The Kenosha News 1/6)
Community leaders split on casino's fate (The Kenosha News 1/4)
50 days and counting until casino deadline (Fox 11 News 12/31)
Governor Walker: “Yes” to Kenosha casino could lead to 5,000 jobs, but it could cost the state $100M (WITI 12/30) Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section 20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino Related Stories:
Menominee Nation off-reservation casino supporters hold rally (12/19)
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