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Minnesota: Pine Island Land Approved for Potential Emergency Casino

A recent decision by the U.S. Department of the Interior has sparked significant developments for the Prairie Island Indian Community in Minnesota. On Friday, the department moved 400 acres of Olmsted County land into trust, opening the door for the land to potentially house an “emergency interim gaming facility.” This move is a proactive measure to safeguard the Tribe’s Treasure Island Casino operations in case of flooding or a nuclear plant accident nearby.

Why the Land Matters to the Prairie Island Indian Community

This 400-acre tract, located south of Pine Island along U.S. Highway 52, holds strategic importance for the Tribe. Initially part of a larger 1,200-acre acquisition in 2019, the land was once earmarked for Tower Investments’ ambitious but failed Elk Run biotechnology campus project. Now, it represents a critical backup plan for one of the region’s most significant economic engines.

Grant Johnson, the President of the Prairie Island Tribal Council, expressed gratitude for the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ (BIA) decision. He acknowledged the collaborative support of Pine Island city officials and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, underscoring the unity shown in advancing the Tribe’s safety and preparedness.

Prairie Island Tribal land near Pine Island

The Threats Driving This Decision

Treasure Island Casino, situated on Prairie Island near the Mississippi River, is a prominent entertainment and economic hub for the community. However, its location presents unique risks. Flooding from the river and the proximity of the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant pose potential hazards. While the likelihood of an incident remains low, these risks cannot be ignored.

The federal ruling addresses these challenges head-on, offering the Tribe a secure alternative location for gaming operations if disaster strikes. The land near Pine Island is positioned far enough from the nuclear plant and flood zones to serve as a reliable emergency site.

The Community and Regional Impact

The Prairie Island Indian Community’s Treasure Island Resort & Casino is a linchpin for jobs, tourism, and revenue in southeastern Minnesota. Disruptions to its operations would have ripple effects on the local economy. The Tribe’s decision to prepare for contingencies reflects a commitment to ensuring both economic stability and community safety.

City officials in Pine Island have also voiced support for the plan, recognising its potential to contribute to local infrastructure and emergency preparedness. Governor Walz’s involvement highlights the state government’s acknowledgment of the casino’s broader significance to the region.

From Biotechnology Dreams to Tribal Resilience

The land near Pine Island carries a complicated history. Once the site of the ambitious Elk Run project, it was envisioned as a biotechnology hub that would attract cutting-edge research and industry. However, after the development failed to materialise, the property became available for new purposes.

For the Prairie Island Indian Community, the land now symbolises resilience and foresight. Repurposing the acreage for emergency use aligns with the Tribe’s proactive stance on managing risks and securing its assets for future generations.

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