Pokagon Band reaches two agreements for casino site in Indiana

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Leaders of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and the city of South Bend, Indiana, at a press conference to announce intergovernmental agreements on March 23, 2016. Photo from Mayor Pete Buttigieg
>
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians has entered into two intergovernmental agreements for its gaming site in South Bend, Indiana.

The agreements are the first of their kind in the state. They address sewer and water services and payments in lieu of property taxes at the 166-acre land-into-trust site, where a casino, hotel and other developments are being planned.

“The Pokagon Band has been in this region for hundreds of years and the Tribal Village in South Bend will help preserve our legacy for future generations,' Chairman John P. Warren said in a press release.

“These are historic agreements for the City of South Bend with the region’s original inhabitants that will infuse millions of dollars into the economy and create hundreds of new jobs,” added Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is evaluating the environmental impact statement for the project. Nothing overt has occurred in nearly a year.

Get the Story:
South Bend, Pokagon Band reach agreements related to casino project (The South Bend Tribune 3/23)
South Bend, Pokagon Band reach agreements to support casino project (WSBT 3/23)
South Bend and Pokagons reach pact to share casino revenue (WNDU 3/23)
Pokagon Band to contribute toward lift station near proposed SB casino (WNDU 3/23)
Four Winds Casino planned for South Bend (MLive 3/23)

Federal Register Notices:
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians Fee-to-Trust Transfer for Tribal Village and Casino, City of South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana (March 12, 2015)
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Pokagon Band Tribal Village Fee-to-Trust Acquisition and Casino Project in the City of South Bend, St. Joseph County, IN (August 24, 2012)