BELOIT, Wis. (WMTV) -- Plans for a Ho-Chunk casino in Beloit are moving forward after the Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the Ho-Chunk Nation's application.<\/p>\n
The project is nearly a decade in the making.<\/p>\n
\"We've waited years for the approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs,\" said Celestino Ruffini, CEO of VIsit Beloit.<\/p>\n
Rock County, the City of Beloit and the Ho-Chunk Nation initially approved plans for a casino in 2012. <\/p>\n
The federal review process is usually long: In this case, it took eight years to get the green light. However, there are mixed reactions.<\/p>\n
Opponents say Wisconsin does not need another casino, while supporters believe the project will be a major employer.<\/p>\n
\"We have a saturated market here, they're looking at, talking about building a Hard Rock Cafe just across the state line,\" said Lorri Pickens, executive director of Citizens Against Expanded Gambling.<\/p>\n
Ruffini argued Beloit needs the jobs the project would bring.<\/p>\n
\"This casino resort will bring the jobs to this community that really and truly will make a difference in the livelihood and in the pocketbooks of our residents,\" he explained.<\/p>\n
The Ho-Chunk Nation hopes to build the casino on the southeast corner of Willowbrook and Colley Road, near I-39\/90. The project also includes a hotel, convention center and waterpark.<\/p>\n
Opponents worry the large complex will hurt local businesses, while supporters believe the amenities will bring in business from across the region.<\/p>\n
\"People who go to this casino, there'll be a full service deal and then they'll leave and there'll be no extra money spent in the community,\" Pickens said.<\/p>\n
Ruffini argued, \"From the travel and tourism perspective, it's really the meetings, events and conventions that will be brought here to the city that will put us on the map.\"<\/p>\n
Pickens and Ruffini are both waiting on the next step in the process, Governor Tony Evers' approval.<\/p>\n
Pickens hopes the governor does not approve the plan, and she has encouraged opponents to reach out to Governor Evers' office. Ruffini said he hopes Evers makes a timely decision so there is a final resolution.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for Governor Evers' office told NBC15, \"The governor will be carefully reviewing the application and listening to all sides of the issue to ensure fair consideration.\"<\/p>\n
Even if the governor approves it, plans could be further delayed. Ho-Chunk Nation President WhiteEagle said the nation has taken a financial hit after closing the rest of its casinos during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he is not sure they will be able to shoulder the cost of the Beloit project right away.<\/p>\n
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Mixed reactions over Beloit casino progress - WMTV<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" BELOIT, Wis. Continue reading