Hudson wants more study of casino’s possible impact

Thursday, Aug. 31, 2000 | 9:31 a.m.

A report that included the city's environmental assessment of the proposed casino was sent to the U.S. Interior Department on Wednesday, the final day of a monthlong public comment period.

A partnership involving the Red Cliff, Sokaogon and Lac Courte Oreilles Chippewa bands wants to develop a casino at the St. Croix Meadows Greyhound Racing Park near Hudson, which is just minutes from the lucrative Twin Cities area gambling market.

In 1995, the Interior Department rejected the tribes' application for the project, but the agency agreed to reconsider it in settling a federal lawsuit alleging that it acted improperly the first time.

Casino developers already sent the department a report saying the casino would increase traffic but would not adversely affect the community.

The city's environmental assessment criticizes that conclusion, saying the developers underestimated the number of customers the casino would attract.

In a letter accompanying the report, the city asked the Interior Department what state and local laws regarding fire codes, liquor sales and other regulations would apply to the proposed casino site.

"There is significant uncertainty regarding the application of state and local law to regular activity at the proposed casino," Mayor John Breault said in the letter.

The Interior Department has 60 days to consider the casino proposal. If the agency approves, Gov. Tommy Thompson then will consider it. He has said he would approve an off-reservation casino only if it has local support.