Indian Affairs Bureau February 14, 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice advises the public that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) as lead agency, with Hannahville Tribe of Potawatomi Indians (Tribe) as a cooperating agency, intends to gather information necessary for preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed hotel and casino project to be located on 9.8 acres of a 24.8 acre parcel owned by the Tribe in Romulus, Michigan. The purpose of the proposed action is to help address the socioeconomic needs of the Tribe. This notice also announces a public scoping meeting to identify public and agency concerns and alternatives to be considered in the EIS. The Tribes' application seeks to have a portion of the off-reservation parcel taken into trust pursuant to Section 5 of the Indian Reorganization Act and implementing regulations in 25 CFR part 151, and requests a Secretarial determination pursuant to Section 20(b)(1)(A) of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act that a proposed gaming establishment on the parcel would be in the best interest of the Tribe and its members, and not detrimental to the surrounding community. We are aware that some members of the public have expressed concerns about off-reservation gaming. In this case, the parcel is located over 450 miles from the Tribe's reservation. We are soliciting and will consider accommodating the views of elected officials (State, county, city, etc.) and community members in the local areas as part of our decision- making process. We also plan a more detailed consideration of the broad implications associated with new gaming operations within established communities where gaming is not currently conducted.