LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Jon Bumstead on Monday reiterated his call for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to approve the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ Muskegon County casino project, a decision she previously pushed off to June 16.
“The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ casino is a major job-creating project that will attract visitors to the region,” said Bumstead, R-Newaygo. “Estimates indicate the project will create 1,500 construction jobs and 1,500 high-paying full-time jobs, and upon completion attract 1.8 million visitors and generate $15 million in tax revenue for the state and millions more for local governments. There’s nothing holding the governor back from saying yes — the project is shovel-ready. Approving the casino sends the message that Muskegon matters, and we’re open for business.”
Many state and local officials, as well as countless residents, have voiced support for the project, which has been in the planning for many years. After a lengthy approval process, the federal government gave the go-ahead in December 2020. Since the federal government’s approval, the decision on whether to proceed has been on Whitmer’s desk.
“I’ve been a constant supporter of the casino, because it’s a win for Muskegon, for West Michigan and for the entire state,” Bumstead said. “I’m calling on the governor to stop the delay and approve the Muskegon casino project today.”
Bumstead encouraged residents who have not already voiced their support for the casino to submit written comments at SenatorJonBumstead.com/casino/ to have their thoughts sent directly to Whitmer’s office.
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