UPDATE: Grand Forks Moving Ahead With Talks Over Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa’s Proposed Casino
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR 8L30 pm update) — After years of talk, a casino and resort could finally be coming to Grand Forks.
A Letter of Intent has been approved by Grand Forks Committee of the Whole.
It’s just the first step in the process to establish agreements on the development, infrastructure, taxes and other factors.
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa owns a 146-acre parcel of land that is just southwest of the current city limits, along I-29.
In addition to a casino, the tribe has plans for a 200 plus room hotel with spa, conference and banquet facility, entertainment center, gas station and convenience store.
“We have major investments in the Alerus Center which this is going to compete with,” said Ward 2 Council Member Rebecca Osowski.
Tribal Chairman Jamie Azure said, “We don’t want to compete with the City of Grand Forks, what we want is to accentuate the City of Grand Forks so we’re bringing other people in that aren’t already coming here.”
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa is the largest tribe in North Dakota with around 31,000 members.
The tribe owns Sky Dancer Casino and Resort in Belcourt and Grand Treasure Casino in Trenton.
**ORIGINAL STORY BELOW**
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) — After years of talk, a casino could finally be coming to Grand Forks.
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa owns a 146-acre parcel of land that is just southwest of the current city limits, along I-29.
Grand Forks Committee of the Whole is meeting at 5:30 p.m. and will go over the tribe’s plans that are included in a letter of intent.
City staff are recommending its approval.
In addition to a casino, the tribe has plans for a 200 plus room hotel with spa, conference and banquet facility, entertainment center, gas station and convenience store.
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa is the largest tribe in North Dakota with around 31,000 members.
The tribe owns Sky Dancer Casino and Resort in Belcourt.
