For almost a quarter-century, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) has been making payments to the state and local units of government twice a year from proceeds of their casinos, according to WLUC.
Recently, KBIC released its bi-annual payments list where the two percen 7BALL t that goes to local units of government and the eight percent that the state receives is derived from the net win from Class III slot machines from KBIC’s two U.P. casinos. In May and December, the local payment’s two percent are paid out; however, local government units are reportedly able to make written requests throughout the year.
According to NBC-affiliated television station WLUC, from April 1st this year through September 30th, the total dollar amount derived from the Ojibwa Casino Resort in Baraga to be distributed was $129,291.03. For the same period of time, local units, 12 in total, in Marquette County received distributions totaling $161,747.78 which were derived from the Ojibwa Casino in Harvey, Marquette County.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which receives the larger eight percent payment, for November 2017 received $517,164.15 for the Baraga distribution and a total of $646,991.12 for Marquette, according to the news agency.
In May 2018, the next cycle of awards will be distributed. Local units of government in Marquette or Baraga counties may reportedly apply by submitting a written request prior to March 31, 2018.
On July 6, the Chocolay Township Planning Commission gave the KBIC the green light to move forward with its $36 million project in Marquette County. The long-awaited project will reportedly see the existing facility, located on M-28, completely renovated including doubling the casino floor, and adding two signature restaurants, a 76-room hotel, and a 1,200 square foot arena. Previous reports indicate the Chocolay Township project will be completed by late November, early December 2018.
Located near the intersection of US-41 and M-38, Ojibwa Casino Baraga is receiving more than $5 million in infrastructure updates. Included in the upgrades are new heating and cooling units and new active smoke eaters. Previous reports indicate that by March 2018, the Baraga renovations should be completed.
World Casino Directory (WCD) has attempted to reach out to Jim Orr, the marketing director for both casinos, in an effort to get the latest details regarding the progress of the projects, but we’ve yet to receive a reply.
