Kenosha casino: Local, tribal leaders sign agreement to build Hard Rock Casino

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Supporters of building a casino in Kenosha visited Madison Tuesday to sign an agreement for the proposed Hard Rock Casino.

At the state Capitol, Kenosha County and the City of Kenosha, along with members of the Menominee tribe held a ceremonial signing of the intergovernmental agreement. Officials signed a replica after the original was signed last month.

It marks the latest move by the tribe, who has tried to build a casino in Kenosha for decades. The location would be west of I-94 near Highway 50.

Officials will now need to win over the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs and Democratic Governor Tony Evers who has the final say of either approving or rejecting the project.

"We are hoping the application will be expedited to Gov. Evers' office shortly after the new year or around the new year," said Joey Awonohopay, chair of the Menominee Kenosha Gaming Authority. "We are very optimistic now that we have signed intergovernmental agreements."

A spokeswoman for Evers did not return requests for comment.

Opponents are urging the federal government and Evers to turn down the Hard Rock Casino. Citizens Against Expanded Gambling say there are too many unknowns about the project, such as what the return on investment will be and potential impacts on traffic flow.

"They really should take a hard look and slow this down for everyone's best interests," said Lorri Pickens, executive director for Citizens Against Expanded Gambling. "We're always going to oppose it, but if they are going to move forward with it, they really should really make sure they are representing the best interests of the citizens."

The plan includes a casino, restaurants, hotel rooms, and a 200-seat auditorium. Awonahopay described the project as "much more than a gambling establishment."

"It's an entertainment venue," he said.

The Hard Rock estimates the project would create 800 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent ones once the casino is open.

It's faced mixed reviews since the idea resurfaced last fall. In 2013, former Republican Gov. Scott Walker shot down the idea, but this time it's about half the size of the original project.

Last month, the Kenosha Common Council approved the casino 11-6. Plans for the 60-acre site include 1,500 gaming machines, 55 tables and sports betting.