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Ho-Chunk Moves Ahead

ILLINOIS – As reported by the Northwest Indiana Times: "Local and federal leaders expect the Ho-Chunk Nation to apply soon to have nearly 300 acres of land in Lynwood placed in trust, a major step toward achieving the state's first land-based casino.

"U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., among those pushing hardest for the effort, said tribal leaders are preparing an application to submit to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to place the land in federal trust.

"Once that is done, the Native American tribe can begin lobbying the state for gaming approval.

"…Jackson, however, also is 'exploring the viability of fast-tracking the process' in congress if enough support can be garnered by other legislators. That would be the most expedient method, while going through the Bureau of Indian Affairs could take anywhere from two to five years.

"Whatever method, proponents are encouraged by late developments.

"A recent land purchase brought the tribe's area acreage to nearly 300. The plans call for a gaming and entertainment complex on 432 acres…"

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