MOORHEAD, Minn. – A Clay County Commissioner and the Sheriff respond to an executive summary from White Earth Nation for its proposed casino and convention center near Moorhead.
Sheriff Mark Empting told Flag Family News he wasn’t consulted for the study which shows a need of a $1.4 million increase for public safety and other government services.
“Any major development that increases traffic and visitors could create additional demands on the Sheriff’s Office, including patrol, traffic enforcement, investigations, jail operations, and calls for service,” Empting said. “Those impacts would need to be carefully evaluated to ensure we can continue providing a high level of service and maintain public safety throughout Clay County.”
The study was done by consulting company Klas Robins Q.E.D. which said on its website it has “unique expertise and unsurpassed experience in Indian gaming and economic development on tribal lands.”
The project is expected to cost $176.8 million with the casino having 950 gaming machines and 10 tabletop games. There would be a 200-room hotel with a 15,000 square foot ballroom, meeting spaces, dining options, bars and a gift shop. The parking lot would have 1,000 spaces and a 50-pad RV park.
Klas Robins said the project would require 391 full-time equivalent construction jobs with wages at $39 an hour. There would be 597 permanent full-time jobs with the average earning $55,400 a year. There would also be 102 part-time jobs. The firm estimates the casino would have 1.1 million visitors a year with 927,500 coming from outside of Clay County.
The study estimates a $175.6 million yearly economic impact for Clay County and $244.6 for Minnesota.
Clay County Commissioner Jenny Mongeau said the county has only been provided the executive summary that was released publicly adding she’s seeking details from the tribe on how the estimates were calculated.
“The economic projections outlined in the summary appear promising, but there is still a substantial amount of clarity needed before drawing broader conclusions,” Mongeau told Flag Family News. “I believe it is important that we proceed thoughtfully and cautiously as additional information becomes available.”
Mongeau said County Administrator Steve Larson and Moorhead and Dilworth city staff are participating in meetings with White Earth officials regarding the project.
City of Moorhead Communications Coordinator Kelly Kuntz said White Earth will be providing more information regarding infrastructure needs which will allow the city to review the project’s impacts comprehensively.
