Region hopes for benefits along with new casino

As a follow-up to a courtesy call paid last month to Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey, Tribal and Beloit officials visited the Rockford Area Economic Development Council Tuesday to report on potential gains for Winnebago County from the proposed Beloit casino. A Winnebago County impact study was attached to the entire Draft Environmental Impact Study currently being reviewed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and was done in response to concerns voiced during the 45-day public comment period by Rockford officials.

Due to an increase in local services and retail, the consultant's report estimates that the economic benefit to Winnebago County would be 600 jobs and total earnings of $20 million. Representing the St. Croix and Bad River bands of the Chippewa tribe, Joe Hunt presented the economic information to the Rockford business leaders.

"We've made a commitment with Rockford to keep lines of communication open, which we did," Hunt said. "There was an excellent exchange and our hope is that the Rockford Area Economic Development council comes out in support of the project."

Hunt has asked the group to formally support the casino project in order to improve its chances for approval.

"I suggested that for this application to move forward, it will require some political strength," Hunt said.