Plans Move Forward For Proposed Lansing Casino

LANSING (AP) - Plans for a $245 million American Indian casino in downtown Lansing are moving forward, with city officials announcing a land-purchase agreement with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Officials on Thursday announced the agreement for the city-owned land near the Lansing Center.

The tribe plans to apply to the federal government to take the land into trust. The tribe plans to open the casino after federal approval.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette earlier sued to block plans for the casino.

Plans for the Kewadin Lansing project were announced in January. Mayor Virg Bernero promoted the plan, which backers say would create jobs and help improve the city. The plans were opposed by Schuette and Gov. Rick Snyder, as well as some other American Indian tribes with competing casinos.

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