Tribe to distribute $3.7 million during latest 2 percent allocation

Observer Staff

1/25/2005 12:00:00 AM

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan disbursed $3.7 million to local governments, area schools and area municipalities during the semiannual 2 percent distribution.

Of that amount officially allocated on May 27 at the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways, $2 million went to Isabella County for 14 projects ranging from storm sewage construction to roadway improvements. The Tribe pledged $330,000 to the multi-jurisdictional traffic enforcement team, as well as $325,000 for a county-wide mobile data system.

The city of Mt. Pleasant received $225,000 for five projects, including a $60,000 allocation for a traffic signal at Broomfield and Tallgrass roads, as well as $50,000 for the Isabella County Emergency Services Team.

Since 1994, the Tribe has distributed about $63 million to area governments, municipalities and schools. In accordance with its consent agreement with the state, the Tribe distributes 2 percent of its Class III gaming revenues with local entities.

There was a total of 496 applications submitted for requests, with 158 being approved. Of that amount, 144 were from local governments and 361 from area schools. The Tribe approved 29 of the applications for governments and 129 for schools. A complete breakdown of the recent allocations will be in the June 16 Tribal Observer.

Since 1994, the Tribe has distributed about $63 million to area governments, municipalities and schools. In accordance with its consent agreement with the state, the Tribe distributes 2 percent of its Class III gaming revenues with local entities.

Deerfield, Denver, Isabella, Nottawa and Wise townships each received $30,094.39, while the Gratiot/Isabella RESD was given $14,344.66.

Mt. Pleasant Public Schools were allocated $819,945.93; Shepherd Public Schools, $322,259; Beal City Public Schools, $115,941; and Chippewa Hills Public Schools, $22,950.

The plethora of projects funded for the Mt. Pleasant schools not only affected Mt. Pleasant High School, but Rosebush, Fancher, Pullen Ganiard and Mary McGuire elementary schools, as well as the Mt. Pleasant Area Technical Center, Oasis High School, West Intermediate plus the district's special education program.