Environmental Impact Study Won’t Stand in Casino’s Way
The Pokagon Band runs an economic development authority called Mno Bmadsen.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA major step required for a planned $400 million tribal village and casino to move forward is now complete. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has released an environmental impact study of the South Bend proposal and three alternatives from the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. The study examined factors ranging from topography to access to valuable materials and potential adverse effects.
It also looked at land forms, drainage, gradients, soils, geology or paleontological resources. The results suggested that any substantial issues resulting from the preferred South Bend project or alternatives could be mitigated.
In April, the South Bend Common Council approved an agreement with the band involving payments from gaming revenues to the city in lieu of property taxes. The agreement says the city would receive at least $1 million and as much as $2 million annually, depending on volume of game play at the new Four Winds Casino. The also provided details for some $5 million in support for community-wide programs.
The project is expected to create more than 1,400 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent jobs.
You can connect to the full environmental impact study by clicking here.