MOORHEAD, Minn. – White Earth Nation Officials tentatively agree to discuss its plan for the 280 acres the tribe bought near Moorhead at the April 22 Clay County Commission meeting according to county administrator Steve Larson.
White Earth leaders have asked commissioners to sign a letter of support to place the land near the Interstate 94 exit for Sabin on State Highway 336 in a trust for tribal gaming and other purposes.
After speaking with White Earth Nation Chairman Michael Fairbanks, Larson says he requested representatives from the tribe talk about its vision for the project before the commission takes action on the letter of support.
To build a casino on land outside the reservation, it would need to be put in a trust approved by the U.S. Department of Interior, which is overseen by former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. Without it, the tribe would have to pay for property taxes on the land.
“A White Earth tribal gaming facility on the Subject Property would be an economic and social benefit to the City of Moorhead and the other surrounding communities,” writes the tribe in a letter obtained by Flag Family Media.
Larson says White Earth Nation has not applied for a gaming license with Clay County. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division says the tribe has not applied for another state license.
“Our understanding is that casino gaming permits come from both the state and federal government. This is one example of why we have extended an invitation for them to present to the Commission, so they have a better understanding of the process,” Larson explained.
White Earth officials told our news partners at Valley News Live last month “any speculation regarding specific projects, including gaming facilities, is premature” concerning the land purchase.
Click here to read the letter of support drafted by White Earth Nation officials.
