Menominee Nation at 'finish line' for off-reservation casino bid

Friday, September 27, 2013

Artist's rendering of the proposed Menominee Nation off-reservation casino. Image from Casino Kenosha

The Menominee Nation of Wisconsin is making its final push to gain state approval for an off-reservation casino.

The tribe is pursuing the $800 million Kenosha Casino under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The law gives veto power to Gov. Scott Walker (R).

Walker has set a high bar for the project, saying all 11 tribes in the state must reach a consensus. So far, all but three tribes have expressed support the casino.

“That’s the difficult one,” Chairwoman Lisa Waukau told The Racine Journal Times of the consensus requirement.

Walker has indicated he will make a decision by late October. The tribe has lined up support from most local officials and state lawmakers in the Kenosha area.

“We’re right at the finish line," Waukau told the paper.

Get the Story:
‘AT THE FINISH LINE’ (The Racine Journal Times 9/27) $P Some Opinions:
Dave Begel: Tribes' battle over casino is only about money (On Milwaukee 9/26)
Steve Lund: Waiting for a Tommy Thompson moment (The Kenosha News 9/27)

Bureau of Indian Affairs Documents:
Press Release | Fact Sheet: Menominee Nation Decision | Section 20 Determination: Menominee Nation Off-Reservation Casino Related Stories:
Menominee Nation poll shows off-reservation casino support (9/26)