Architectural rendering of the proposed Ho-Chunk Nation casino in Beloit, Wisconsin. Image: Cuningham Group

Casino Stalker | Federal Register

Ho-Chunk Nation makes major progress on off-reservation casino

Friday, May 31, 2019

The Ho-Chunk Nation is celebrating another milestone in its long-running quest for an off-reservation casino in Wisconsin.

Notice of the final environmental impact statement for the proposed casino in Beloit was published in the Federal Register on Friday. The action puts the tribe one major step closer to a decision on a project that's been in the works for nearly a decade

“We’ve been working with our partners on getting this project off the ground," President Wilfrid Cleveland said in a press release. "This is just another step in the whole process, but it’s building a great amount of excitement. We’ll be pleased to see the impact that the Ho-Chunk Nation can have on the unemployment in the Beloit area and beyond."

The tribe is pursuing the development under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The law requires approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs as well as the state governor.

Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat took office in January, has not said whether he will approve the casino. But during his campaign he indicated he was open to it, unlike the prior Republican governor Scott Walker.

“The city of Beloit is thrilled to see this process move forward. We are committed to our partnership with the Ho-Chunk Nation and are ready to hit the ground running,” said city manager Lori Curtis Luther. “The hard-working families of Beloit deserve the livable wages and quality benefits this development will bring to our community. This game-changing project significantly and positively impacts the city’s ability to provide high-quality services for all residents and taxpayers."

The BIA will be taking public comments on the final environmental impact statement through July 1. Following the close of the comment period, the BIA will issue record of decision on the casino but there is no definite timeline.

Assuming the BIA issues a favorable record of decision, it will be sent to Evers for his possible concurrence. Assuming he approves, the BIA will then have to issue a decision on the tribe's land-into-trust application for the 33-acre site in Beloit.

The city of Beloit is about 170 miles from Ho-Chunk Nation headquarters in Black River Falls. The tribe maintains a governmental office and operates a gaming facility in Madison, about 49 miles away.

The gaming site is about 0.5 miles from the Illinois border.