FeedsCasino may come, without federal approval
With recent failure of a bill that would have allowed an Indian casino in the city, another tribe could open a gambling facility without having to seek congressional approval.
In 2005, the Hannahville Indians signed a letter of intent with the city to build a casino near the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The project was one of two the city hoped would materialize, even though the focus has been on the Sioux tribe’s efforts to orchestrate a land swap.
“We’re not giving up on the casino or the jobs it would bring, that’s for sure,” said Mayor Alan Lambert, one of the chief proponents of the casino.
“What’s different with the Hannahville tribe is that its not a land swap – that’s the part that required (congressional) approval,” he added.
Bill failed in Washington
Last month, a bill that would have allowed the Sioux to open a casino near the airport – which is not on an Indian reservation – failed to garner enough votes for approval. The bill would have allowed the tribe to open a casino off-reservation, essentially creating a small reservation within the city.
The bill was strongly opposed by officials from Detroit, who felt a casino in Romulus would have caused unwanted competition for the three gaming halls in their city.
The casino development would have created about 3,000 jobs, and would have streamed $4-$10 million in tax and other revenue into Romulus.
It also would have satisfied a legal land claim the Indian tribe has against the state for illegally developing tribal lands. The deal to end the claim was struck by tribal leaders and then-Gov. John Engler in 1996. The agreement clearly states that congressional approval would be required for any casino project to move forward.
The casino, along with a racetrack that ultimately did not end up in Romulus, was also seen by officials at both the city and county level as an element of the “aerotropolis,” or a large business and entertainment district Wayne County hopes will materialize on vacant land surrounding the airport.
Not affected
The Hannahville tribe, however, is not subject to the agreement, and approval of the casino would require only the support of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, and that of Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
Lambert feels that scenario could come to fruition for the city because it would neutralize the opposition of a casino by Detroit officials and others who are against further casino development.
“We had the governor’s approval for the other casino because she knows how bad it is here, and how badly we need the jobs,” he said.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs may be a more difficult nut to crack, however.
Political change
Though the picture seems to be bleak, the upcoming elections and changes at the federal level could help either one or both of the casinos gain the necessary approvals to proceed. Lambert said the city is pinning its hopes on the at this point.
“Maybe if we have some changes up there, we’ll see some movement (in the city’s favor),” he said. “Maybe with a new president, the tone will change.”
Lambert said he was disappointed in the cancellation of a meeting between him and the leadership of the Sioux tribe that was supposed to take place last week.
“We’re still hopeful,” said Lambert.
