On Again, Off Again Casino Legislation Is Back On Again

The on again, off again legislation to authorize the opening of two new casinos, in Port Huron and Romulus, Michigan, in accordance with a compact entered into by former Michigan Governor John Engler, is apparently back on again.

The bill still awaits action on the entire House floor.

Two Bills In Congress Would Authorize New Indian Casinos In Port Huron and Romulus

The Natural Resources Committee will be holding hearings next week on two separate pieces of legislation that would give federal approval to the agreement signed by then-outgoing Governor John Engler and two Michigan Indian tribes in 2002. The legislation would authorize the opening of Indian-run casinos in Port Huron and Romulus.

The Port Huron casino would be owned by the Bay Mills Indian Community, which currently operates a casino in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The Romulus casino would be owned by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa, which currently operates the Greektown Casino in Detroit, as well as the Kewadin casinos in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.