Madison, Wis (Civic Media) – A proposal to build a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Kenosha has taken a significant step forward as intergovernmental agreements were signed by leaders from the Menominee Indian Tribe, city officials, and county representatives. The agreements, signed in Madison, address issues related to support for municipal services, contributions to local projects, and the distribution of profits from the casino. With these milestones achieved, the Menominee Tribe is now preparing its federal application for submission to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, with hopes of gaining approval within the next year or two.

The proposed Hard Rock Casino, situated just west of Interstate 94 at Highway K (60th Street), is set to include a Hard Rock Cafe, six restaurants, a state-of-the-art Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, a 150-room Hard Rock Hotel, and a casino with 1,500 slot machines, more than 50 table games, and a dedicated sports book area. According to the tribe, this ambitious project aims to bring an estimated 2.4 million tourists to the area annually, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

The Menominee Tribe firmly believes that this project will not only benefit the tribe but also have a positive impact on the community at large. They emphasize that the success of the venture must contribute to the welfare of the city, county, and its residents.

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman has expressed her enthusiasm for the project, saying it will bring 1,000 new jobs and a $360 million private sector investment in the community. 

The road to final approval still lies ahead. The Menominee Tribe will submit its federal application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the coming months. Once the federal government approves the project, the final decision rests with Governor Tony Evers, who has the authority to grant or deny the casino’s establishment. It is worth noting that a previous proposal for a Hard Rock Casino in Kenosha County was rejected in 2015 due to concerns over potential financial losses for the state.