Lansing Casino Plans Hit Setback

A Native American tribe in Michigan that wants to build a $245 million casino in downtown Lansing has another hurdle to jump over.

The U.S. Department of Interior denied this week the Sault St. Marie Tribe of the Chippewa Indians' land applications for the proposed Kewadin Lansing Casino.  The applications were filed by the tribe over two years ago.

Aaron Payment, the tribe's chairperson said in a statement, his group vows to do what it can to try to make federal officials reconsider.

According to the Lansing State Journal, mayor Virg Bernero said in a statement his administration will also continue to fight.  He stressed the benefits a casino would bring to the city.