Source: Menominee, state to sign new compact agreement ahead of casino decision deadline

KENOSHA (WITI) -- Those in favor of a proposed casino in Kenosha are calling it a step forward. A source says the Menominee Tribe is expected to sign a new compact agreement with the state later this week -- and the tribe considers this a big step in getting Governor Scott Walker to approve the casino project.

There is disagreement as to how big a step forward a new tribal agreement would be towards the casino's approval. After it is signed, it would have to be approved by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. Then, it would head to Governor Walker.

Governor Walker has a February 19th deadline to decide on a proposed $800 million Hard Rock casino in Kenosha.

"We're still working with all the parties to come up with an agreement that doesn't cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars due to a compact that goes back to Governor Jim Doyle," Governor Walker said.

The land and shell of the former Dairyland Greyhound Track is the site for a proposed casino.

The Potawatomi Tribe, which operates a casino in Milwaukee, is opposed to the project -- citing unfair competition that would result in economic and job losses in Milwaukee.

The Potawatomi hoped the Bureau of Indian Affairs would approve a compact amendment that would require state taxpayers to refund $100 million in potential lost revenue to the Potawatomi Tribe. That amendment was rejected, but the Potawatomi Tribe remains concerned about potential losses.

On Monday, January 19th -- one month ahead of the deadline, the Menominee Tribe released this statement:

"Enough Already," a group opposed to the proposed casino released its own statement:

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