White Earth Nation Advances Casino-Resort Project Following Economic Study
White Earth Nation is moving ahead with plans for a casino-resort complex near Moorhead that would mark one of its most ambitious off-reservation projects.
- White Earth Nation plans a $176.8 million casino-resort near Moorhead, including a hotel and convention center
- Project aims to create up to 1,200 gaming machines and support hundreds of jobs
- Environmental concerns over the Buffalo Aquifer may delay approval process
The proposal, first outlined to local officials last year, centers on about 280 acres near Interstate 94 and Highway 336 and is now backed by an economic impact study that puts construction costs at $176.8 million. The study was conducted by Klas Robins Q.E.D.
The plan calls for a casino, a 200-room hotel, dining venues, a convention center and other hospitality space.
Developments and Social Impacts
The development could feature as many as 1,200 slot machines and 10 to 12 table games, although other versions of the plan cite 950 gaming positions. During construction, the project is expected to support nearly 400 jobs.
Once open, it could employ about 600 full-time workers and 100 part-time staff, with annual visitor traffic estimated at more than 1.1 million. The social impact projects 33 new housing units in Clark County with an increase of $1.4 million in public safety.
The tribe is still seeking local backing before pursuing federal approval to place the site into trust, a process that could take 18 to 24 months and face further delay from environmental review.
The Buffalo Aquifer has emerged as the main concern, given the site’s location over a key water source for Moorhead.
Even so, the study projects more than $25 million in annual tax revenue and a regional economic impact that could top $175 million.
