By AP
LANSING, MI –
The Board of Directors for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians has voted to move forward with a proposed $245 million casino in downtown Lansing.
Roger Martin, a spokesman for the tribe, said in an email that the board voted 8-2 on Tuesday night to approve an agreement with the City of Lansing.
Backers of the Kewadin Lansing Casino plan announced Monday that it could create about 1,500 permanent jobs and 700 construction jobs. Money also could be used to fund scholarships for area students.
The plan would need approval from the Interior Department.
The proposal has drawn opposition from other American Indian tribes that separately operate casinos in Mount Pleasant and near Battle Creek. Michigan has more than two dozen casinos, including three in Detroit.