Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker today announced he is extending his self-imposed deadline for reaching a decision on a proposed Hard Rock Casino in Kenosha.
Walker had originally set Oct. 22 for his deadline.
Walker released the following statement today: “Helping the people of Wisconsin create more jobs is my number one priority. With that in mind, I am directing the Secretary of the Department of Administration to commence extensive discussions with the tribal governments in an effort to maximize job creation in our state. Our administration will focus on meeting the criteria set out more than two years ago. We want to create jobs without losing jobs in other parts of the state. The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs took nine years to approve an application for a casino in Kenosha. We will not take that long, but we will invest the time necessary to reach a positive solution for the state. I would ask that all of the interested parties spend their time and resources working with the state’s team at the Department of Administration. This will ensure an objective process.”
Walker was scheduled to speak today over lunch at the Greater Milwaukee Committee membership meeting at the University Club in Milwaukee. Walker is expected to speak about the state’s commitments to and investments in Milwaukee.
The Forest County Potawatomi Tribe, which operates a casino in Milwaukee, is opposing the Kenosha casino project, which is being proposed by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin.
Forest County Potawatomi Attorney General Jeff Crawford issued the following statement after Walker announced his deadline extension: “We appreciate Governor Walker giving a thorough and deliberate evaluation of the Kenosha casino proposal to see if it meets the criteria that he set more than two years ago. Following his review, we expect that Governor Walker will find that this project does not meet his criteria and is not in the best interests of Wisconsin.”
