Environmental part of proposal sent to Dept. of Interior

Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2000 | 9:36 a.m.

The environmental assessment focusing on the site and buildings for a planned casino at Dairyland Greyhound Park in Kenosha was sent to officials Friday, said Claricy Smith, deputy director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs regional office in Minneapolis.

The rest of the application, containing facts, figures and opinions on whether a casino would be beneficial to the tribe or detrimental to the community, has yet to be forwarded, Smith said.

Menominee National Tribal Council Chairman Apensanahkwat said BIA officials told him the rest of the package would be sent by Wednesday.

Apensanahkwat planned to be in Washington on Wednesday doing last-minute lobbying, though he was not anticipating a decision until at least Friday.

Once the Secretary of the Interior has finished reviewing the full package, he is required by federal law to consult with Wisconsin's governor, Smith said.

The deadline for federal approval of the proposed casino is rapidly approaching, but there is no official word on when - or if - a decision will be made.

The Menominee Nation must secure full state and federal approval for their plan by Dec. 31, when city and county agreements will expire.

Kenosha mayor John Antaramian said local officials are waiting to see what happens before deciding their next move.

The timeline for word on the casino is further complicated by Gov. Tommy Thompson's expected departure to take a cabinet position in the government of President-elect George W. Bush.

Thompson has said he will not oppose the casino if it receives local and federal approval, but his expected successor, Lt. Gov. Scott McCallum, has been an outspoken opponent of expanded gambling in the state.