Romanelli said the tribe’s first casino in Manistee did not take this long to be completed but that the project did span for several years. In order for the tribe to be able to open a second Michigan casino, the state needs to approve a new gaming compact. As well as 1,500 full-time jobs and 1,500 construction and ancillary jobs.
In a statement in March to Mibiz, tribal officials had said the project would produce $15 million in annual tax revenue for the state and millions for local governments.
I am now in my 70s, so it’s been a long project.” The tribal’s elected leader or Ogema Larry Romanelli, said: “I was in my 50s when this project started. The Little River Band bought the old Great Lakes Downs racetrack near Harvey Street and Hile Road with plans for the off-reservation casino to include 1,700 slot machines, 35 table games, and a 220-room hotel, however for the last 12 years, the $180 million project has been stuck in limbo while awaiting federal approval. Ottawa Indians’ Little River Band, has received the necessary federal approvals for its planned Muskegon County casino in West Michigan and is now awaiting state’s approval, reports WOODTV. The remaining process before opening could take up to two years. The tribe has also promised to create 3000 new jobs. Tribal officials say the $180 million project would produce $15 million in annual tax revenue for the state and millions for local governments.
