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The project of establishing a new tribal casino near Fruitport Township may not be easily suppressed by those opposing it. However, the submission of a casino inquiry request from Muskegon County to the US Department of the Interior might serve as a successful tactic to delay its progress.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer faces a time-sensitive choice regarding the proposed casino, as any reconsideration by the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs could render her actions irrelevant.
The backstory of the Muskegon County Casino inquiry
Three Indigenous peoples’ groups in Michigan have recently filed a petition with the Bureau, as reported by Craig Mauger of the Detroit News. The petition addresses the Bureau’s decision in December 2020 to approve the construction of a new casino for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians in Muskegon County.
The letter to the Inspector General of the Interior stated that they believed the approval was influenced by political motives and a deliberate effort to undermine Governor Whitmer. This was likely due to her outspoken criticism of President Trump and her active involvement in campaigning against his re-election in a state that was of great significance to his campaign.
The individuals that make up the “we” in the company are representatives consisting of:
- The Gun Lake Casino, situated near Wayland, is owned by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians.
- Firekeepers Casino, situated near Battle Creek, is operated by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.
- The Soaring Eagle Casino near Mount Pleasant is managed by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
The three tribes own and manage additional tribal casinos, and they are concerned that the establishment of a new casino in close proximity to Fruitport Township would negatively impact their businesses. They are requesting that the Interior Department conducts an internal investigation to determine if the decision to approve the new casino was influenced by political motives rather than objective evaluation.
While the Interior has no inherent obligation to fulfill that request, granting it would likely bring satisfaction to not only the tribal leaders but also others.
Michigan’s city, county and state officials oppose project, too
For the Little River Band, the past two years have likely been characterized by a sense of being pitted against the world. The only entity that appears to genuinely support their expansion is the tribal group operating a casino near Manistee.
Leaders from Detroit and Wayne County expressed their disapproval in May, demonstrating their consistent stance against the establishment of new tribal casinos near their borders.
While their stated objective in drafting resolutions remains focused on safeguarding the interests of Detroit’s three commercial casinos, the dissenting opinion extends beyond that.
In March, the MI House of Representatives granted their approval on an opposition resolution as well. This holds significant importance as the Muskegon County casino project is contingent upon receiving legislative approval.
Due to the inadequacy of the current compact between the Little River Band and the state in accommodating the group’s plans, it is essential for all parties involved to engage in renegotiating the terms.
Whitmer also plays a significant role in this matter. While she has not disclosed her inclination, an investigation into the federal approval given in December could potentially remove the decision-making power from her.
A further delay could prove detrimental
After granting approval to the casino in December, former Bureau Assistant Secretary Tara Sweeney set a deadline in motion. The Little River Band now faces a time limit of one year to establish a new compact with MI.
Shelving her review of the situation may be the outcome if the Interior Department launches an investigation. From Whitmer’s standpoint, her opinion on the matter won’t hold much weight if the project lacks federal approval.
The duration of the review remains uncertain if the Interior’s Inspector General proceeds with it. Even if the Little River Band receives a favorable decision, it does not guarantee that other opponents of the project will change their stance.
Even if Whitmer’s timely approval is granted, the casino’s developers will still be unable to start construction due to the ongoing opposition in the MI House. Despite their readiness to proceed, the various layers of resistance are preventing any progress on breaking ground.
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