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What is going on with plans for a Kenosha casino?
What is going on with plans for a Kenosha casino?
KENOSHA (WITI) -- This week marks a full year since the federal government gave the "green light" to a casino project in Kenosha. But the project needs approval from Gov. Scott Walker. On this one-year anniversary, a bi-partisan group of state lawmakers is pushing for action.
The Dairyland Greyhound Track is a possible site for a Kenosha casino. It sits vacant a year after the federal government approved a proposal that could bring an $800 million Hard Rock Hotel and Casino to the area.
The Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the proposal on August 23, 2013. Just a few days later, the Potawatomi Tribe, which operates a large casino in Milwaukee, announced it is opposed to the Kenosha casino. On October 11, 2013, the Menominee Nation announced a deal with Hard Rock International -- an alliance that seemed to change the game. Five days after that, Gov. Walker met with all of the state's indian tribes to attempt to broker an agreement. Then in April, Gov. Walker told reporters he needed more time to make a decision -- and was granted a six-month extension -- meaning his ultimate decision will come after the election on February 19, 2015.
"We're going to back away and take the time necessary, we're going to take probably many months to look through this," said Gov. Walker
Gov. Walker is waiting until after the November elections -- an attempt to take politics out of it. But the casino has become an issue in the campaign.
"Governor Walker did kick the can down the road. It's been a year since he had the federal decision. As governor, I would have made sure we had an impartial study done immediately," said Democratic candidate for governor Mary Burke.
Gov. Walker is waiting for the results of an economic impact study.
But now, a bi-partisan group of seven state lawmakers sent the governor a letter saying, "We are concerned that you have not yet announced your decision...Out communities need the thousands of family-supporting jobs...this project will provide."
One of the lawmakers was Republican State Rep. Samantha Kerkman.
"When he delayed the decision, I really believe in my heart of hearts that he wants to get to the right answer and the right answer is yes," said Kerkman.
The Menominee Tribe estimate its proposal would create 5,000 jobs.
The Potawatomi believe a Kenosha casino would syphon business from the Milwaukee casino.
CLICK HERE to read the entire bi-partisan letter written to Gov. Scott Walker on the proposed Kenosha casino.