Tribe to distribute $3.7 million in 2 percent funds

Scott Csernyik

5/15/2002 12:00:00 AM

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan will distribute $3.7 million to local governmental entities during the semiannual 2 percent disbursement on May 24 at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort.

Since 1994, the Tribe has funded about $47 million in projects throughout Isabella County. In accordance with its consent agreement with the state, the Tribe distributes 2 percent of its Class III gaming revenues with local governments.

The judgement, issued by U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin F. Gibson for the western district of the state on Aug. 18, 1993, allows the Tribe to select where the funds will be distributed.

"Each Tribe shall determine which local unit or units of government shall receive payments and the amounts thereof," stated Gibson in the consent judgement.

During this particular disbursement, the Tribe received a total of 413 applications from various agencies for a requested amount of about $22 million. Of those applications, 274 pertained to area schools, with Mt. Pleasant submitting the most at 204. Mt. Pleasant city officials submitted 47 applications and Isabella County had 43 for a total of about $11 million.

A detailed breakdown of the latest 2 percent funding will be published June 1 in the Tribal Observer.