The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is planning to reapply for approval of their second casino in Michigan. The tribe has been working on this project for years, but it has faced several setbacks along the way. However, they are determined to move forward with their plans and bring economic benefits to the state.

The proposed casino would be located in Fruitport Township, which is about 90 miles west of the tribe’s current casino in Manistee. The new facility would feature a 69,000 square foot gaming floor, a 220-room hotel, and several restaurants and bars. The estimated cost of the project is $180 million.

The Little River Band first applied for approval of the casino in 2008, but it was rejected by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in 2010. The tribe then filed a lawsuit against the BIA, claiming that the agency had acted unfairly and violated federal law. In 2016, a federal judge ruled in favor of the tribe and ordered the BIA to reconsider their application.

In 2018, the BIA once again rejected the tribe’s application, citing concerns about the environmental impact of the project. The tribe then appealed the decision to the Interior Board of Indian Appeals (IBIA), which upheld the BIA’s decision in 2019.

Despite these setbacks, the Little River Band remains committed to their plans for the casino. They believe that it will create jobs and generate revenue for both the tribe and the state. According to tribal officials, the casino could create up to 1,200 jobs and generate $20 million in annual revenue.

The tribe has also emphasized their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. They have pledged to use renewable energy sources and implement green building practices in the construction of the casino.

The Little River Band is not alone in their efforts to expand gaming in Michigan. Several other tribes are also seeking approval for new casinos or the expansion of existing ones. However, the process can be lengthy and complicated, as it involves approval from both the BIA and the state government.

In order to move forward with their plans, the Little River Band will need to submit a new application to the BIA and address any concerns raised by the agency. They will also need to negotiate a gaming compact with the state government, which would outline the terms of their operation and revenue sharing.

Overall, the Little River Band’s plans for a second casino in Michigan have the potential to bring significant economic benefits to the state. However, they will need to navigate a complex regulatory process in order to make their vision a reality.