FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 27, 2004
CONTACT:  JOSEPH HUNT

FORTHCOMING NOTICE OF INTENT TO PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE BELOIT CASINO PROJECT

A notice pertaining to the Beloit Trust Land Application will be appearing in the Federal Register in the next few days.  That notice will be the announcement that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), with the cooperation of the Bad River and St. Croix Tribes, intend to gather the information necessary for preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Beloit Casino Project. The notice will invite written comments on the scope and implementation of the pending proposal.

A meeting between officials of the Tribes, the BIA and the Department of Justice (DOJ) occurred in Washington D.C. in early February.  DOJ officials informed the Tribes that it is their view that an EIS should be prepared for all off-reservation gaming applications.  The DOJ officials recommended that the EIS process be started and that the Environmental Assessment (EA), which is now included in the Beloit Trust Land Application, and released for public comment on September 17, 2003, be considered as part of the EIS process.  They further recommended that the pertinent comments received during the public comment period for the EA be considered as part of the scoping process for the EIS.  At the conclusion of the meeting the BIA representatives indicated that if the Tribes wanted the BIA to begin an EIS process, then they should make a written request to that effect.

Following this meeting, a letter dated February 12, 2004 was sent by the Tribes to the BIA requesting that an EIS process be undertaken.  The BIA agreed to this request.  On March 1, 2004, a letter was received from the BIA inviting the Bad River and St. Croix Tribes to be cooperating agencies with the BIA in the conduct of the EIS concerning the Beloit project.  The Tribes sent a letter of positive response to the BIA on March 8, 2004.

The Tribes, local officials, voters, and a substantial majority of the comment period respondents have all expressed their confidence in the merits of the Beloit project.  During the forthcoming EIS process, any critic of the project will be given the opportunity to voice any concern regarding the effect this project will have on Beloit and the surrounding area.  At the end of the day, it will be readily apparent that the Beloit project is a fantastic endeavor for the Tribes, the City, Rock County, and the State of Wisconsin.

“The Beloit project proposal includes more than just a casino.” explained Chairman David Merrill of the St. Croix Tribe, “The city of Beloit, Rock County, and the Tribes have agreed to a plan that includes the construction of a major casino resort complex.”  The development will include a convention center, a 500 room hotel, a year round water park, restaurants, and a theatre/auditorium.

“Agreements are in place that insure that this project works for all parties involved,” explained Donald Moore, Chairman of the Bad River Band, “It is anticipated that the project will create 3000 new jobs.”

“Our goal remains to do whatever it takes to move this project and our unique partnership in Beloit forward.”  said Chairman Merrill.  “We believe that an EIS improves our chances of success, so that’s the route we’ll take,” added Chairman Moore.

Questions or comments concerning this change should be submitted in writing through our Public Relations office in Beloit at 421 East Grand Avenue, Beloit, Wi. 53511