Michigan township casino negotiation team formed

FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP, Michigan –- As reported by the Muskegon Chronicle: "The Fruitport Township Board of Trustees voted Monday to form a negotiation committee to meet with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians when more concrete details of a proposed casino are on the table.

"The board also -- for the third time -- approved a resolution of support of the tribe bringing the possible venture to the former Great Lakes Down racetrack property.

"…The tribe -- which already operates the Little River Casino near Manistee -- recently purchased about 140 acres at the former racetrack property and has additional land deals pending that involve approximately another 100 acres nearby.

"Tribe members said 40 to 50 acres is planned for development of a casino and possibly a hotel.

"…While no taxes would be paid on that parcel, the township would get payment in lieu of taxes generated from electronic gambling machines.

"Typically, 2 percent of that revenue is set aside for local purposes. In Fruitport Township's case, tribe leaders have estimated that amount to be $3 million to $4 million a year..."