Michigan tribe to try for casino

ROMULUS, Michigan -- As reported by the Roman Romulus: "With recent failure of a bill that would have allowed an Indian casino in the city, another tribe could open a gambling facility without having to seek congressional approval.

"In 2005, the Hannahville Indians signed a letter of intent with the city to build a casino near the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The project was one of two the city hoped would materialize, even though the focus has been on the Sioux tribe's efforts to orchestrate a land swap.

"...Last month, a bill that would have allowed the Sioux to open a casino near the airport – which is not on an Indian reservation – failed to garner enough votes for approval. The bill would have allowed the tribe to open a casino off-reservation, essentially creating a small reservation within the city.

"The bill was strongly opposed by officials from Detroit, who felt a casino in Romulus would have caused unwanted competition for the three gaming halls in their city.

"The casino development would have created about 3,000 jobs, and would have streamed $4-$10 million in tax and other revenue into Romulus.

"...The Hannahville tribe, however, is not subject to the agreement, and approval of the casino would require only the support of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, and that of Gov. Jennifer Granholm..."