MOORHEAD (KFGO) – The White Earth Band of Chippewa presented the Clay County Commission with preliminary plans for a casino and convention center facility on 280 acres of land the tribe purchased east of Moorhead.
Tribal leaders say the plan is to create a resort-type facility that includes a casino with 900-1200 slot machines and 10-12 gaming tables, three to four restaurants, a hotel, convention center, and truck stop.
The tribe hopes to create 450-500 jobs that would pay $19.00 per hour for entry level jobs, up to $34 for management positions.
Construction of the facility would be contingent on several things, including placing the land into tribal land trust by the federal government and approval of a gaming compact with the State of Minnesota.
The tribe has not submitted an application for the tribal land trust yet. It would need to be approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Department of the Interior.
Chairman Michael Fairbanks says the tribe wants to meet with local leaders before submitting the application, and is asking the commission for a letter of support.
A number of citizens spoke about their concerns about the facility, particularly for an aquifer that will be nearby, and the tribe’s request for a letter of support for the tribal land trust. A tribal land trust would give all authority over the land to the tribe.
Residents are also concerned about tax revenue and the burden the facility would put on law enforcement, fire services, and EMS.
Next Monday, the tribe plans to meet with the cities of Moorhead and Dilworth.
Comments