The federal review of a proposed casino in Kenosha is still under review, but the chairman for the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin is optimistic about the project succeeding in light of Donald Trump being president.
The latest effort to build a Hard Rock hotel and casino in southeastern Wisconsin has been in the works for more than five years, noting that having a Democratic governor increases the likelihood of getting approval. The Menominee have previously tried to get approval for a Kenosha casino, but that failed when Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, rejected it in 2015.
Tribal Chairman Joey Awonohopay believes that Trump’s efforts to trim down the government and create jobs will work in the tribe’s favor.
“President Trump and his administration have made it clear they are interested in creating jobs and streamlining rule processes to increase efficiency within the government,” Awonohopay wrote in a memo to all tribal members. “Their commitments to these ideas are a positive indicator that OIG (Office of Indian Gaming) will complete their final review of the EA (Environmental Assessment), and that we are well-positioned to achieve project approval.”
Awonohopay wrote that the casino project could signal economic revitalization for the tribe, the city of Kenosha and the state of Wisconsin.
The EA is a major step to get federal approval to be in compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act. According to Awonohopay, a draft was completed almost a year ago with revisions being done in summer and fall 2024. Last November, the EA was sent to the OIG for final review.
Once the review is completed, the public will have the opportunity to comment on the EA, Awonohopay wrote.
“The EA has shown no negative impact, and we are hopeful that BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) will determine the project is beneficial to both the Menominee and the Kenosha community,” Awonohopay wrote. “Based on that determination, BIA will send their determination to Gov. Tony Evers for his concurrence. While the governor has up to one year to review the application, we are optimistic his decision will come even sooner, reflecting the widespread support and clear advantages this project offers.”
Awonohopay expects the casino will bring in plenty of construction jobs, along with employment for more than 1,000 people once it opens. The casino is expected to attract 2.4 million visitors annually, with about two-thirds of them coming from outside Wisconsin.
“This project will also have a positive ripple effect on other local businesses in southeastern Wisconsin,” Awonohopay wrote. “For the tribe, this project is more than a business venture; it represents the best opportunity for the Menominee to address the significant challenges facing our people.”
The tribe anticipated the income generated will help to address health care, education and infrastructure on the reservation, which ranks among the poorest in the state and nation.
“With this project, we aim to become both a leading job generator and an example of economic empowerment in Wisconsin,” Awonohopay wrote.
He added that future updates are coming, with project information posted at casino.hardrock.com/kenosha.
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
Tribal chairman optimistic about casino project
