BARAGA – Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder apparently was unmoved by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s recent efforts to build a new casino in Negaunee.

While KBIC has been speaking with the governor’s tribal liason, it has yet to get a response to a press release it sent out this week detailing the new casino plans.

“At this time, the state is not aware of any renewed proposal by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community to the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs to take land owned by the tribe into trust for the purposes of operating a casino. As part of previous discussions with the tribe on this issue, the state said it would be willing to consider the proposal as part of a larger agreement that would benefit the state and local communities as well as the tribe, consistent with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, state, and other federal laws,” said Anna Heaton, press secretary for Gov. Rick Snyder.

“Any new development in Marquette County will benefit the area. This relocation would greatly benefit not only the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community but the surrounding community as well,” Swartz said. “A facility of this size will provide much needed amenities to support Marquette’s growing economy and aid in the loss of badly needed jobs. This is a win-win opportunity for the local community, the state and the tribe.”

The new complex would provide 350 full-time jobs and another possible 100 part-time construction jobs. Seventy-five percent of casino employees are not tribal members.