Why Did Governor Whitmer Say No To Muskegon County Casino?

A lot of people were surprised that Governor Gretchen Whitmer said no to the proposed casino in Muskegon County, but why did she say no?

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Proposed Casino for Muskegon County

I along with several others, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians was surprised at Governor Whitmer's decision to deny the tribe for the proposed casino in Muskegon County.

One by one, casinos have been popping up around Michigan for years, and most people expected another to get approved in Muskegon County but it didn't happen.

The proposed casino has been in the works for 14 years. According to MLive, Governor Whitmer put a stop to the $180 million projects that included a 220-room hotel on the 223 acres of property.

Why Did Whitmer Say No To Muskegon County Casino?

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians isn't the only tribe that feels they are entitled to the 223 acres of land located in Muskegon County where the casino was going to be built.

Another West Michigan tribe, the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians is in the process of federally being recognized and they say the land for the proposed casino is part of its ancestrial homelands.

MLive reported that Governor Whitmer said, "The Department of the Interior first needs to decide whether they are providing federal recognition to the neighboring Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians. It is critical to have this information before making an informed decision."

So what sounds like a no could be another roll of the dice for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians if the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians is not recognized, but if they are, they may wind up building a casino on the property instead.

Little River Band of Ottawa Indians vs Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians

Depending upon the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians getting recognized, this whole issue of a casino in Muskegon County could wind up a legal battle between the Grand River Band and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. the one thing going against the Little River Band is the land in Muskegon County is not tribal land.

Muskegon County Potentially Loses Jobs and Tax Revenue

There are a lot of job opportunities that come with a new casino, not to mention tax revenue for Muskegon County and the state of Michigan. Plus, all the investment in the community to build the casino and other businesses that would benefit from the casino's existence. Unfortunately, at this time none of that will come to fruition to a community that could really use a boost.

What Happens to the 223 Acres of Land for Proposed Casino?

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians only needed 60 to 80 acres of the land they purchased to build the casino and are looking at developing the other 153 acres or possibly selling the whole piece of land they have 30 million dollars wrapped up in.