Muskegon shocked by Whitmer rejection of casino project – Bridge Michigan

Whitmer said she was concerned that the location of the proposed casino was close to the site of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, which is attempting to gain federal recognition as a tribe. If they are successful, the Grand River Bands could also want a casino in the area.

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Without that information (about whether the Grand River Bands application for federal recognition will be approved), I am unable to concur at this time and remain disappointed in the (U.S.) Department (of the Interior)s lack of flexibility in this process.

The deadline for Whitmer to make a decision on the casino was Thursday.

Larry Romanelli, leader of the Little River Band Ottawa Indians said he thinks Whitmer was misinformed about the project, stating the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians petition for federal approval has nothing to do with the casino project. He said he felt frustrated and disappointed.

The whole community is going to suffer from a no decision, he said.

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians invested more than $30 million into the project, and the casino was expected to provide more than 3,000 jobs, Todd Dunham, Fruitport Townships town supervisor, said.

In a letter to Secretary of the Interior Debra Haaland, Whitmer requested the deadline extension because the determination could frustrate the Grand River Bands. The letter said she wants the decision on their recognition to be made in case they want to open a casino in the area.

Muskegon Sen. Jon Bumstead, R-Newaygo said he was frustrated with how long it took Whitmer to make a decision about the development.

The project was originally approved by former President Donald Trumps administration in December 2020, but the project must also be approved by the state. Whitmer was originally supposed to make a decision by December 2021, but she requested and was given a six-month extension by federal officials.

Im like the rest of the folks in Muskegon disbelief, total shock, after all these years, millions of dollars invested, that she decided not to sign off for reasons we dont know, Muskegon Sen. Jon Bumstead, R-Newaygo, said.

During a speech on the Senate floor Thursday, Bumstead called Whitmers rejection shameful.

Your denial of this project instantly killed 3,000 good-paying jobs in west Michigan, he said. You would rather protect the interests of your supporters in Southeast Michigan and play politics rather than upgrade new economic opportunities for families in west Michigan.

When he heard the news Dunham said, it was a blow.

It was like I got punched in the stomach, Dunham told Bridge.

He said hes not spoken to anyone in the area who agrees with Whitmers decision.

Dunham was baffled by Whitmer citing the Grand River Bands petition for federal recognition as a reason for her rejection of the casino project. He said it would likely take another 12-18 years before the Grand River Bands could have a realistic casino project, even after becoming federally recognized.

Im not buying any of this, Dunham said of Whitmers reasoning. I think this was all smoke and mirrors.

Romanelli was supposed to meet with Whitmer last week, but the governor's office pushed the meeting back until Wednesday afternoon. When the meeting was originally scheduled, he was under the impression Whitmer had not yet made up her mind. By the time they actually met, she had.

I wanted to make some last minute discussions with her, he said. I was left without being able to speak to her about the project. That was a little disheartening.

Muskegon historically was a more industrial area of the state, although more recently it has become more tourist-centric. The casino was expected to help with further development of the county by increasing tourism and investments in hotels.

Muskegon Heights City Manager Troy Bell told reporters Thursday that the area had been underinvested for years. He said the governors rejection means the opportunities for tourism revenues virtually went out the window.

The message I believe (the governors decision) is sending is that Muskegon doesnt matter, Bell told reporters.

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Muskegon shocked by Whitmer rejection of casino project - Bridge Michigan