The Menominee Tribe and Gov. Scott Walker have signed off on an amendment to the gaming compact between the state and the tribe that the Menominee says should address any lingering concerns about the approval of a Kenosha casino causing financial difficulty for the state.
The amendment says the tribe agrees to pay $1 billion to the state over the 25-year life of the contract, an amount the tribe says should cover any reduced revenue share for the state government from other tribal casinos in Wisconsin.
State Rep. Samantha Kerkman, whose district includes most of Western Kenosha County, issued the following statement:
I am delighted that this compact agreement has been reached between the State and the Menominee Tribe. It truly clears a pathway to a yes decision by the Governor. I reaffirm my support for this project, and I look forward to the BIA approval of the amendment and ultimately the Governor’s approval by February 19th.”
For the casino project to move forward, it must be approved by the governor by Feb. 19.
The casino would be built on the grounds of the shuttered Dairyland Greyhound Park in Kenosha, just east of I-94 between Highway K and Highway 158.
Supporters of the project say it will create 5,000 temporary and permanent jobs.
Following is a Menominee announcement of the compact amendment:
