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Beloit casino project discussed at federal hearing

The Beloit casino project, and others like it, may get some relief from damaging federal policy changes.

The House Natural Resources Committee appears ready to come to the aid of Native American tribes involved in off reservation projects. The Interior Department and Bureau of Indian Affairs announced in January a policy change in which distance from home reservations would be considered when approving casinos or other projects. The change would effectively void a number of casino projects, including the proposed casino for Beloit.

Government officials and tribal leaders addressed the Committee on February 27th. After testimony from federal officials and tribal leaders, Committee Chair, Representative Nick Rahall of West Virginia, said "The potential change to the federal policy towards Indian tribes is disturbing." Rahall also said, "We have to question if this administration is advocating a policy to keep Indians on the reservation." Committee member, Michigan Representative Dale Kildee, said if the proposed policy were in place 50 years ago, Hawaii would never have become a state.

Chairman Rahall said he would prepare a Bill to give the tribes involved relief.

In addition to tribal leaders attending the hearing, Beloit City Manager Larry Arft and Beloit City Council President Terry Monahan were also present.