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Federal Board Reviews Wisconsin Tribal Casino Proposal

WASHINGTON, DC – As reported by the Rockford Register Star: "A proposal for two Wisconsin Indian tribes to build a casino in Beloit, Wis., should soon go to the Interior Department for final review after Beloit officials agreed to allow the tribes to operate other businesses on the casino property.

"The gaming proposal was held up for nine months while the tribes, the city and Rock County renegotiated an agreement under which the tribes would pay $105 million over 10 years in exchange for the city and county giving up the land for a casino. The money is supposed to pay for public services such as police protection.

"The pact had to be renegotiated because the Midwest office of the Interior Department's Bureau of Indian Affairs in Minneapolis said a provision violated federal law regarding Indian lands.

"…Once the tribes submit the revised agreement to the Interior Department's Minneapolis office, officials there will review it and send it to Washington for a final decision.

"Terry Virden, the office director, said if the new agreement satisfies his office's objections, he likely will forward it to Washington with a positive recommendation.

"…The casino proposal calls for creating about 3,000 new jobs, most with benefits. The plan includes a 500-room hotel, 35,000-square-foot convention center, entertainment complex and four restaurants…"

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