Little River Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Looking To Build New Casino
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The Little River Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians have set their sights on a new casino project.
The tribe says they want to build a new casino in Muskegon County that would bring an estimated 1,500 full time jobs and another 1,500 construction-related jobs to the region.
It would be built on an 86-acre site of the former Great Lake’s Downs Race Track that was purchased in 2007, and is expected to attract more than 1.8 million visitors per year.
Additionally, the casino would generate more than $15 million in revenue for Michigan, and millions more for local governments. It would also generate an estimated $1.5 million a year to local charities through the establishment of the tribe’s 7th Generation Fund.
The Little River Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians says that the casino would be built with internal financial resources and no taxpayer dollars.
The Little River Band’s proposed gaming and economic development would include:
- Approximately 70,000 square feet of gaming floor space
- 1,700 slot machines and 35 table games
- 220-room hotel
- Event and meeting room space
- 1.8 million visitors per year
- $180-$200 million investment
- $184 million in annual gross revenues
“With the Governor’s sign-off, we can create 3,000 jobs and the initial work can begin in months,” stated Larry Romanelli, Tribal Ogema of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. “We are fortunate to have resounding support from community leaders, businesses, unions, and individuals throughout the county. They know this region needs the jobs, the revenues, and the benefits a Muskegon casino would bring.”
They’re asking Governor Gretchen Whitmer to support the project. Governor Whitmer will have until Dec. 16th to either agree to the project or ask the federal government for a one-time six month extension.
They say if Governor Whitmer doesn’t act or refuses to support the project, the project ends.
