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Fruitport Township has rejected the proposal put forth by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians for an off-reservation casino.
In a letter addressed to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made the announcement on Wednesday, just a day before the June 16 deadline.
Whitmer expressed her feeling of being in an “impossible position” after her request for an extension beyond the initial six-month deadline was denied.
The progress of a planned $180 million casino and hotel, which has been under development since 2008, has come to an abrupt stop.
Lack of Grand River determination causes Whitmer to decline
On Wednesday afternoon, a statement was released by Gov. Whitmer which contained the following information:
I am expressing my disagreement with the proposal by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians to establish an off-reservation casino in Fruitport Township, following the U.S. Department of the Interior’s refusal to extend the deadline for this decision or provide details on a separate tribal recognition decision currently under review by the Department.
Since 1994, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians have been seeking recognition as a tribe by the federal government. Referring to an October 12 deadline, Whitmer highlights the importance of this milestone.
If that were to occur, the Grand River Bands would have the right to claim land near the location where Little River intended to construct their upcoming hotel and casino.
Whitmer was originally set to announce her decision on the proposed casino on December 16th, but she was given an extension of 180 days.
She had been urging the Department of Interior to either issue a ruling on Grand River Bands before Oct. 12 or grant her a more extended deadline. Unfortunately, her request for a longer extension was rejected, and no determination has been reached regarding the standing of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians.
Whitmer expressed disappointment as the Department of Interior did not grant her request to extend the June 16 deadline for the decision. She had requested more time so that the Department could fulfill their role in providing her with the necessary information to make a crucial decision. Whitmer emphasized that the Department of Interior should prioritize determining whether federal recognition will be granted to the neighboring Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians. Having this information is vital in order to make an informed decision.
Little River disappointed by decision
According to FOX 17 West Michigan, the decision was communicated to Larry Romanelli, the Tribal Omega of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, before Governor Whitmer released the letter.
Romanelli expressed his disappointment with the decision and believed that Whitmer had made her decision based on completely incorrect information.
In her statement, Whitmer recognized the tribe and highlighted the significant local backing that the proposal had received.
She acknowledged that the Little River Band and local community supporters may be disappointed by the lack of agreement, and she recognized the considerable time and resources devoted to the proposal.
Little River had to seek approval from Whitmer since the casino in Fruitport Township was not located on their tribal lands. Despite facing opposition from other tribal casino operators in the state, as well as Detroit and Wayne County, Whitmer stood as the final obstacle for Little River to overcome.
State Senator Jon Bumstead from North Muskegon, who represents the Republican party, issued a statement regarding Governor Whitmer’s decision on the proposal which aimed to bring 3,000 new jobs to the Muskegon area, out of which 1,500 would be permanent.
He stated that today is a sorrowful day for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Muskegon residents, and the neighboring area as their governor made the unfortunate decision to reject a casino project that had widespread support from local to national levels. He further expressed that with this project, Governor Whitmer had the power to generate 3,000 well-paying jobs effortlessly, without burdening taxpayers. It appears that she prioritizes spending the hard-earned money of diligent individuals rather than assisting them in earning it.
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