Michigan
Casino Proposal Face New Laws
As reported by the Port Huron
Times: "Port Huron has two groups vying
to build a tribal casino in the city.
"One
effort got approval from city voters in 2001.
The question now is, would the new effort require
a similar vote - or even a statewide referendum
under Michigan's new gambling law?
"Lawyers
are working to find out.
"Port
Huron Development of Clinton Township announced
plans Monday for a 500-room hotel, casino and
indoor water park on 20 downtown acres and extensive
renovations to McMorran Place.
"In
addition, the Bay Mills Indian Community of
Brimley is waiting federal approval to allow
the tribe to operate a casino near the Thomas
Edison Inn. The issue remains stalled in Congress.
"Bay
Mills and inn owner Don Reynolds were partners
on the casino idea. Port Huron voters in June
2001 approved bringing a casino to the city.
Then-Gov. John Engler approved the Bay Mills
deal in 2002, which allowed the tribe to swap
Upper Peninsula land near Charlotte Beach for
rights to the spot at the Port Huron hotel.
"…The
ballot language, however, didn't specify what
casino, what Indian tribe or where the casino
would be built. State law also changed after
Engler approved the Bay Mills-Port Huron deal.
It now requires a statewide vote on new casinos…"
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