“In a nutshell it’s all about jobs and economic development and this project will bring all of that,” State House Representative Terry Sabo said. However, With Muskegon County having one of the highest unemployment rates in the state of Michigan, the new casino is getting bi-partisan support from state lawmakers who are urging Gov. That all tribes in Michigan only get to operate one casino apiece, and the Little River Band already owns and operates a casino in Manistee. They say, the new casino would violate a written understanding. Opposition has been strong however from other Michigan Casinos, including Gun Lake. Supporters of the Casino, which would be run by Native American Tribe Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, say it will bring in 1500-3000 good paying jobs to Muskegon County, skyrocket home values in the area, and bring much needed economic activity to Fruitport, where a struggling Lakes Mall is barely hanging on after both Sears and Younkers department stores recently went out of business.

Talks of a casino in Fruitport Township have been going on for 12 years, and now it all comes down to Whitmer, who has until December 16 to decide and sign off on the project.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has one month to make a decision on whether or not to approve a long discussed new casino in Fruitport Township.

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