A new casino may be coming to Grand Forks but not everyone is supporting the new venture.
The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Tribe submitted their letter of intent to the city of Grand Forks about building a casino and hotel along I-29 last month on a 140-acre piece of land they own. The Grand Forks City Council approved the letter of intent in a 4-2 vote.
Chairwoman of Spirit Lake Tribe Lonna Street released a statement on Feb. 5 opposing the casino.
“The fundamental concern with SB 2376 is that it was introduced without formal government-to-government consultation with the Spirit Lake Tribe and possibly other tribal nations.” Chairwoman Street writes. “Tribal sovereignty and intergovernmental relations require that tribes be engaged as equal partners in decisions impacting their economies, livelihoods, and communities.”
The casino would be the first one that would not be built on tribal land. North Dakota state law does not permit casinos to operate outside tribal land in accordance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Street added, “The introduction of a new gaming facility in Grand Forks County threatens to divert critical revenue away from existing tribal casino, including the Spirit Lake Casino and Resort, potentially jeopardizing the financial stability of tribal nations reliant on gaming for essential services.”
Street said opposing the bill “is in no way a reflection of division or disrespect toward TMBCI but rather a response to a legislative process that did not adequately include all affected tribal nations.”
Also opposing the bill is the North Dakota Family Alliance Legislative Action. Jacob Thomsen, a policy analyst for the organization, said “The main issue we have with this bill is associated with compulsive gambling disorders.”
He added, “Adding a casino just minutes away from our state’s largest university would be a big mistake.”
Chairman of the TMBCI Jamie Azure stated in his testimony, “We seek to capture dollars that have been bypassing Grand Forks and help to revitalize the community.”
Azure also said “The proposed casino will create hundreds of jobs for local residents.” That would include both the construction and positions needed to be filled at the casino.
TMBCI’s proposal detailed the project would have 200+ hotel rooms, a class III casino, a conference and banquet facility, an entertainment center, and a gas station and convenience store.
