BENZONIA, MI – The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) has announced that it will open a new gaming facility on its trust land in Benzie County. The facility will create new employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth for the tribe and for the local community.
The tribe’s Benzie County land is one of the parcels of land that was placed into trust and restored to the tribe soon after the tribe itself was restored to federal recognition.
The tribe has complied with the requirements of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), including requirements set forth by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC). Consistent with the tribe’s policy of maintaining productive, open relationships with neighboring state and local authorities, the tribe has engaged with relevant state and local officials to apprise them of the tribe’s plans. The tribe says it will continue to work with these officials, as well as stakeholders and the local Benzie community to address questions and to ensure that the project aligns with regional interests.
The tribe’s new facility will be located at 7282 Hoadley Rd., Benzonia, MI. Further planning and development are ongoing.