As reported by: The Associated Press
It seems waiting has paid off for a tribe trying to build a casino in West Michigan.

The Gun Lake Band of Pottawatomi Indians wants a casino in Wayland Township and a recent decision by the federal government has put the project one step closer to reality. Now, a look at what's ahead.

In the middle of nowhere is a 200,000 square foot building, where a Gun Lake tribe foresees gambling, restaurants, and entertainment. And now the U.S. Department of Interior, in a 3 page report, said putting the casino on the site off US-131 in Wayland Township will have no significant environmental impact on the area. The decision means in 30 days, the land could be put into trust, paving the way for construction of a new casino in Allegan County.

Bob Wagner, a casino supporter said, "I think it's great. It's one of those things everyone's been waiting for." But not everyone agrees. "What it's about is money and greed," said Todd Borsma, President of Mich-Go, an opposition group against the casino. Borsma also said a lawsuit against the tribe is likely. "We're going to seek counsel on that and make a decision," Borsma said. Borsma said he believes the casino is a gamble for the community. "You got increased addiction which leads to bankruptcy, embezzlement, crime, corruption, and the list goes on," said Borsma.

The tribe disagrees. Tribal chairman, D.K. Sprague, points out the job opportunities. "We look forward to giving people a paycheck instead of them receiving unemployment benefits." said Sprague, in a released statement. "It's going to create jobs and we know how many jobs we need in West Michigan."

In order for the casino to be fully operational with slot machines and card tables, Governor Granholm has to sign a compact giving the tribe permission. Otherwise, it will be called a class 2 casino which features low risk games like bingo. The governor has not announced when she will make a decision. If all goes well, the tribe said the casino could be up and running by next January.