White Earth Nation officials announced Thursday a 75 percent cut in their casino land‑trust request for Clay County, trimming the proposal from roughly 300 acres to 80 acres.
Residents of the county voiced fears that a larger casino would strain drinking water supplies, increase traffic congestion, and inflate infrastructure costs and property taxes.
The tribe’s request still needs approval from the federal government and concurrence from the Minnesota governor before it can move forward.
One Clay County farmer, Arjun Patel, noted that the smaller footprint could lessen the impact on his farm’s irrigation system, though he remains wary of any commercial development.
Officials say a decision could come by late 2028 if conditions stay favorable, at which point the tribe will submit the final paperwork for federal review.
The federal agencies have not yet set a timetable for approval, but industry observers expect a hearing sometime in the next fiscal year.
Meanwhile, the White Earth Nation’s leadership is preparing to address community concerns at an upcoming town‑hall meeting in early September.
The outcome will influence not only local economic prospects but also the tribe’s long‑term strategy for self‑sufficiency.
Stakeholders will monitor the next steps closely, as the decision could set a precedent for other tribal land‑trust projects across the state.