A decision is still far away but a candidate for governor in Wisconsin says he will approve an off-reservation casino for the
Ho-Chunk Nation if he wins the election in November.
Tony Evers, the superintendent of the state's public school system, is the "leading" Democratic candidate in the race, The Beloit Daily News reported. He told the paper that he will support the long-delayed casino in Beloit.
"I would sign that agreement," Evers told the paper.
The tribe is pursuing the $405.5 million casino under the two-part determination provisions of the
Indian
Gaming Regulatory Act. The law requires approval from the state governor in
addition to the
Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Scott Walker, a Republican, is
running for re-election. He has not stated a position on the casino, though he rejected a two-part determination casino for the
Menominee Nation way back in
2015.
The Ho-Chunk Nation's project enjoys strong local support. So did the Menominee Nation's but that effort was complicated by opposition from rival tribes, including the Ho-Chunks.
The BIA has yet to issue a draft
environmental
impact statement for the Ho-Chunk casino. Tribal leaders are hopeful that action will take place within the next month or so.
Read More on the Story:
Evers: I'll sign Beloit casino plan
(The Beloit Daily News February 8, 2018)
Federal Register Notice:
Notice
of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Ho-Chunk
Nation Beloit Casino Project, City of Beloit, Rock County, WI (November 26,
2012)
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