The US$405m entertainment destination will bring 1,300 permanent full-time jobs
The Bureau of Indian Affairs has given final approval for placing approximately 33 acres of land into trust for the Ho-Chunk Nation’s Beloit Casino project which will culminate in the tribe having the ability to move forward with the final design, infrastructure work, and construction on the planned development.
Missouri Governor Tony Evers approved the US$405 million project last year for casino plan that would benefit the tribe and the community. Plans call for building the complex just west of Interstate 39/90 include building a convention center, hotel, a water park, beverage/dining venues, and retail space. The tribe has predicted it would create 1,300 permanent jobs and 3,000 construction jobs.
“The Nation, our partners, and this community have been anticipating this moment for years,” says Vice President Karena Thundercloud, “There’s been some skepticism about the timeline because of the Nation’s reliance on the federal processes but we’ve been confident in the project’s viability and look forward to a bright future for Beloit, the state of Wisconsin, and the Ho-Chunk Nation.”
Beloit City Manager Lori Curtis Luther added, “Our community has eagerly awaited the groundbreaking for this high-quality complex that will provide an additional boost to our economy. We appreciate the thorough review and approval of this project so that our city can welcome the Ho-Chunk Nation home to Kecąk. The City of Beloit remains committed to being a good partner with the tribe as they begin the development for this entertainment destination.” Kecąk is the Ho-Chunk name for the historic village where Beloit now sits.
