White Earth Narrows Casino Land Request as $177M Project Moves Ahead

MOORHEAD, Minn. – White Earth Nation is preparing an application to place 80 acres near Moorhead into federal trust for its proposed $176.8 million casino. The revised plan would move the development toward federal review, although the application has not been submitted and construction remains subject to approval.

Tribal representatives outlined the revised proposal during an October 13 meeting with Clay County commissioners, marking progress after the project was paused in August following a tribal leadership change. The development was previously detailed in plans for a $177 million casino near Moorhead, but concerns about financial risks and long-term sustainability prompted further internal review.

White Earth Reduces Casino Trust Application to 80 Acres

The White Earth Nation originally considered placing its entire approximately 300-acre property near Interstate 94 and Minnesota Highway 336 into federal trust. Tribal officials now intend to seek trust status for two 40-acre parcels, following feedback from local officials and guidance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).

Nate Mathews, executive director of the White Earth Tribal Utilities Commission, told commissioners that the tribe was preparing surveys and other documentation for the smaller application. The remaining land could eventually accommodate non-gaming commercial or residential development, although no specific plans have been finalized.

The revised acreage responds partly to concerns from county officials and residents about the size of the proposed trust property. Clay County Commissioner Kevin Campbell questioned whether the development required so much land, noting that public support could decline as the requested trust acreage increased.

White Earth Land Acquisition Manager Jacob Syverson emphasized that the project remains in the preliminary stages. Although the tribal council has approved the proposed location, additional authorization is needed before the application can be filed.

“We haven’t actually submitted this application”, Syverson told commissioners.

Federal and State Approvals Could Take Until 2028

Before construction can proceed, White Earth Nation must complete a federal land acquisition process involving environmental assessments, consultation with local governments and surrounding communities, and regulatory reviews.

Under the federal off-reservation gaming framework, the US Department of the Interior must determine that the proposed casino would benefit the tribe without harming the surrounding community. Minnesota’s governor must also concur with a favorable federal determination before gaming can be authorized on the newly acquired trust land.

Tribal officials hope to obtain authorization and submit the application by January 2027. If the necessary reviews proceed according to their anticipated schedule, the land could receive trust status and gaming eligibility in 2028.

That timeline remains preliminary, and federal approval would not automatically guarantee construction. The tribe would still need to finalize investment decisions and address remaining project requirements.

County Officials Seek More Details Before Supporting Casino

During the meeting, White Earth representatives requested local support for the federal application and proposed a cooperative aid agreement involving Clay County and the city of Moorhead. The arrangement would address infrastructure, roads, utilities, public safety and other potential impacts associated with the development.

County commissioners raised questions about traffic, infrastructure costs and the proposed facility’s eventual size. Commissioner Ezra Baer indicated that some officials might require answers about those issues before agreeing to support the project. The county board took no action during the meeting.

The tribe’s economic and social impact study, released in May, estimated construction costs at $176.8 million. The proposed complex includes approximately 950 gaming machines, 10 table games, a 200-room hotel, restaurants, meeting facilities and a ballroom.

The study projects nearly 700 ongoing jobs and more than 1.1 million annual visitors if the casino is completed. Those figures remain estimates rather than confirmed economic outcomes.

White Earth Chairman Michael Fairbanks said the project could benefit both tribal members and the surrounding community. The next milestone is securing tribal authorization to submit the federal trust application, while discussions with local governments continue over the development’s potential costs and infrastructure requirements.

RELATED TOPICS: Business