A proposed $300 million casino resort in Grand Forks, North Dakota, is sparking both excitement and concern as city officials and tribal leaders discuss the potential for significant economic benefits and the necessary infrastructure adjustments. The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, which recently acquired 146 acres of land just off Interstate 29, is pushing forward with plans for a large-scale entertainment complex that would include a hotel, gambling facilities, and various recreational amenities.

A vision for economic growth:

The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa’s vision for this project includes a 200-room hotel, a Vegas-style casino, an amphitheater, and a family-friendly entertainment center. This ambitious development is expected to generate approximately 800 jobs, providing a major employment boost to the area. A feasibility study conducted by the tribe helped refine the proposal, resulting in a shift toward incorporating features that address community needs. For example, plans for a water park were dropped in favor of an arcade, bowling alley, and e-sports facilities, among other amenities.

Grand Forks City Administrator Todd Feland emphasized that these changes align the project with local demands. “It eliminated a water park but included an arcade, bowling, maybe some golf centers, more quality of life, e-sports — things that the community has a gap in,” Feland noted.

However, this is not the first time the tribe has sought to establish a casino in Grand Forks. Efforts in 2006 and 2013 were thwarted by community opposition and lack of state support, respectively. This new attempt stands apart because the Turtle Mountain Band now owns the land in question, raising questions about tax implications. The tribe’s tax-exempt status, typical for tribal entities, has prompted discussions about how the project will financially contribute to local infrastructure and services.

One of the primary concerns for city officials is how the casino will impact local tax revenue. Since tribal lands typically fall outside of standard local tax structures, Grand Forks officials and the Turtle Mountain Band will need to negotiate a tax-equivalent agreement. This arrangement would ensure the casino contributes fairly to the city’s infrastructure and services while balancing the needs of local businesses.

“We want to protect not only other regional businesses in our community but also taxpayers, ensuring they’re paying their fair share for services and infrastructure,” Feland said, as reported by Grand Forks Herald. Additionally, city leaders are mindful of how the new development might compete with the Alerus Center, the city’s largest event venue. Feland emphasized that the goal is to ensure all new facilities complement existing ones to avoid unnecessary overlap. “This facility should fill a gap in amenities we don’t have in our community,” he said.

Regulatory hurdles and long-term timeline:

Unlike typical development projects, building a casino on tribal land requires approval from both state and federal authorities. Grand Forks officials recognize that the approval process could take years. Feland indicated it may take at least two years before the city can determine whether the project will proceed.

The Grand Forks City Council is expected to discuss the project further at its next meeting on February 3. Meanwhile, the Turtle Mountain Band is working toward obtaining necessary approvals from the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Tribal Chairman Jamie Azure pointed out the importance of securing these approvals and the tribe’s historical connection to the area. “The Turtle Mountain tribe is the only tribe that has solid, well-documented historical ties to this area,” he noted.

Azure also expressed confidence that state leadership, including Governor Kelly Armstrong, has shown support for the project, and he mentioned that the Department of the Interior might be receptive given the possible appointment of former Governor Doug Burgum to a key role in the department.

The City Council’s response to the proposed casino project has been mixed. On January 27, the council recommended moving forward with a letter of intent to start the regulatory process, with a vote of 4-3. Some council members, however, remain cautious, expressing concerns about the unknown tax implications and the potential effects on existing local businesses. Council Vice President Danny Weigel likened the project to assembling a complex puzzle, emphasizing the need for patience as the process unfolds. “What we’re doing is we’re spilling a 100-piece puzzle on our table and we’re putting a corner piece down to look forward to moving forward with this project,” Weigel explained.

Council member Ken Vein raised concerns about how the casino could impact the city’s current businesses, especially in the realm of entertainment and tourism. “I do worry about the implications to what’s here currently,” Vein said. “But I feel like what I’m missing is a rollback of what we are trying to do and what are all the features.”