A US District Judge ruled on Wednesday that the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians had not violated federal laws by applying for land into trust in order to build a $250-million casino in downtown Lansing, Michigan.
The tribe first announced its plans for gambling venues in Lansing as well as in Huron Township in 2012. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette then filed a lawsuit in an attempt to block those plans from being materialized.
However, US District Judge Robert Jonker ruled on Wednesday that the tribe had every right to apply for land into trust and that it had not violated any laws by doing so.
Commenting on the judge’s ruling, Aaron Payment, Chairman of the tribe, said that his tribe could continue developing its plans for casinos that would create numerous new jobs for residents of Michigan’s central and southeastern parts. What is more, the two casinos are expected to generate millions of dollars in gaming revenue and to contribute a considerable portion of those to the two regions as well as the state as a whole.
Sara Wurfel, a spokeswoman for Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s administration, said that the Governor is discussing with the state Attorney General what their next steps would be. She added that state officials consider the tribe’s plans to establish a casino which is located on non-reservation land a breach of the Tribal-State Gaming Compact. In addition, being allowed land into trust would create a “dangerous precedent” and would have major consequences for Michigan and its other Indian nations.
Although Gov. Snyder’s office does not seem particularly happy about a potential casino in Lansing, city officials expressed their support for the ambitious project. Lansing Mayor Virgil Bernero told media that the ruling represents a reaffirmation of the tribe’s right to apply for land into trust and build a casino in the city and is yet another important step towards the eventual opening of the venue, which is expected to create thousands of new jobs for Lansing residents.
Although Judge Jonker’s decision is a small victory for the Sault Tribe, it still has a long way to go before being allowed to open its casinos. State officials and other Indian tribes are expected to appeal the ruling. In addition, the tribe is awaiting the US Department of the Interior’s decision whether it would be permitted to place land into trust.
