Tribe moves forward with Muskegon casino plans

"We have been at it for seven years, and we have worked very hard at this," says tribe ogema, or chief Larry Romanelli.

This week, the tribe took what they are calling a big step forward in their campaign to open a casino on the Fruitport Township property.

They filed an application asking the Bureau of Indian Affairs to take the land into trust for them.

Taking the land into trust is something the federal government must do before the tribe can open a casino there.

"These things don't come easy," says Romanelli. "We knew it wouldn't be a cakewalk, and we know we have a ways to go. We have never stepped backwards. We have never stopped."

If the federal government agrees to take the Fruitport Township land into trust, the state Legislature and Governor must also approve the casino.

Tribal leaders say they hope to overcome any opposition with the promise of jobs and economic development.

"I know that's a priority with the Governor," says tribal council member Virgil Johnson."Jobs. I think it's going to be a win-win for the state and the tribe."

"We know this isn't the answer to everything," adds Romanelli. "But we really do believe it could be a jump start to the area."

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians already has Little River Casino Resort on their land near Manistee.

Tribal leaders are hopeful the Department of Interior will issue what is called an intent to take the Fruitport Township property into trust sometime this spring.

That will lead to public hearings and discussion about economic, environmental and community impact.

The Band says they will invest $180 million to build the new casino and economic development project. They expect the project to create more than 1,200 new jobs in Muskegon County.

LRBOI purchased the property in 2008. Their plans include 69,000 square feet of gaming floor space, 1,700 slot machines, 35 table games, a 220-room hotel, restaurants and entertainment options, and conference space.