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Port Huron's Casino Odds Slim

MICHIGAN – As reported by the Port Huron Times Herald: "The odds of an Indian-owned casino being built in Port Huron are slim, those familiar with the issue said this week.

"Nearly five years after city voters approved a referendum on a gaming facility to be built on land at the Thomas Edison Inn near the Blue Water Bridge, the plan lies dormant with a congressional committee. And there seems to be little enthusiasm to revive it.

"The Upper Peninsula's Bay Mills Indian Community in 2001 worked out a proposal to build and operate a casino at the hotel. Gov. John Engler signed off on the deal shortly before leaving office in 2002. It then went to Congress for required approvals.

"'It's a big long shot at this point,' said Jamie Roe, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Candice Miller, the Macomb County Republican whose district includes Port Huron. Miller supports the casino proposal, although Michigan lawmakers from other communities, especially Detroit, oppose the idea.

"…Meanwhile, some local residents hope the Bay Mills issue gets new life. They are frustrated watching U.S. dollars leave the community to be spent at Ontario's popular Point Edward Charity Casino — directly across the St. Clair River from where the Port Huron casino would be built…"

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