High Court Ruling Could Have Impact on Lansing Casino Project

Lansing Mayor Virg Bernaro disappointing few with his reaction Tuesday to a U. S. Supreme Court ruling that dealt a blow to state officials trying to block the opening of the Bay Mills casino.  Taking to his FaceBook page to claim victory.

The ruling, according to  the outspoken mayor, paves the way for Lansing's Kewadin proposal to continue to move forward.  At issue, is an application to the federal government that can now continue asking that the land in question--near the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing--be placed in trust.

The $245 millionr project, which is said to bring jobs and revenue to Lansing and the state, has been surrounded by controversy since its announcement by Bernaro and members of the Saulte Ste. Marie tribe of Chippewa Indians.

State officials have been fighting the proposal saying it would violate a contract with other tribes to limit casinos in the state.

But the High Court's 5-4 ruling said the state couldn't block the tribe's plans for an off-reservation gaming center.

The game isn't over yet, though, the U. S. Supreme  Court did leave open other options for those to fight the proposal and Bernaro says he's ready for that battle.

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