The Little River Band of Ottawa
Indians is seeing action on its proposed off-reservation casino in Michigan.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs just published the scoping report for the $180 million project in Fruitport Township. The document puts the tribe closer to its goal.
"This is another big step for the Little River Band and the Muskegon community to bring economic development to the region," Larry Romanelli, the tribe's ogema, or leader, said in a press release.
The scoping report will be followed by a draft environmental impact statement, more public comments and then a final EIS. Sometime after that, the BIA would issue a record of decision on the project.
But final approval rests with the state governor because the tribe is pursuing the casino under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian
Gaming Regulatory Act.
Get the Story:
Proposed Michigan tribal casino inches ahead with document released by feds
(MLive 2/4)
$P Federal Register Notice:
Notice
of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Little
River Band of Ottawa Indians Fruitport Casino Project, Fruitport Township,
Muskegon County, Michigan (September 21, 2015)
Related Stories:
Editorial:
Approve Little River Band off-reservation casino (11/16)
Little
River Band might buy land by off-reservation gaming site (11/10)
Steve
Pego: Michigan compact bars off-reservation casino (11/06)
Little
River Band hopeful after off-reservation casino hearing (10/19)
Little River
Band sees support for off-reservation casino bid (10/16)
Little River
Band set for hearing on off-reservation casino bid (10/14)