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Federal regulators are assessing a proposed casino development in Kenosha, Wisconsin, after the public comment period for a draft environmental assessment concluded, moving the project closer to a decision point.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Department of the Interior are reviewing the administrative record before determining whether the project will proceed. If approved, the proposal will be submitted to Governor Tony Evers for state-level consideration.
State legislators and local officials have filed written comments supporting the development and backing the conclusions of the draft environmental assessment, which found no significant environmental impacts under federal law.
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman urged federal officials to rely on the existing review and advance the proposal.
“The county supports the Menominee Tribe’s Kenosha Gaming Project, which will bring employment and economic development to the county, and urges the BIA to move the project forward by making the requisite findings and sending it to the governor for his concurrence,” Kerkman wrote.
“The county has long supported a planned Menominee casino in Kenosha,” she said. “The proposal continues to have broad support. A countywide referendum in 2004 showed 56% in favor of a Menominee casino, and polling from 2022 and 2025 has continued to show strong support with 60% in favor.”
“The city anticipates the project will have a positive impact on the city’s social structure and community character,” Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala wrote, emphasizing the development would expand access to entertainment and events while remaining consistent with surrounding land uses and commercial development patterns.
Tribal response during review stage
Joey Awonohopay, chairman of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, addressed the review in a prepared statement, referencing support from elected officials.
“The strong support expressed by state and local elected leaders reinforces what the environmental assessment clearly demonstrates: that this project has been thoroughly vetted and is ready to move forward, and any efforts calling for more ‘detailed’ environmental review are just an attempt to delay a project that will benefit the region and the Tribe,” Awonohopay stated.
“We appreciate the leadership shown by our partners at the local and state levels and their confidence that the assessment provides a complete and responsible record for decision making,” he said.
Project structure and operator role
The proposal outlines a development led by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, which would own the casino and related facilities. Hard Rock International is identified as the developer and operator.
The planned site, located west of Interstate 94 on approximately 60 acres, includes a Hard Rock Cafe, seven restaurants, a Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, and a 150-room hotel. Gaming operations would feature 1,500 slot machines, more than 50 table games, a sportsbook area, three bars, and a retail outlet.
According to project filings, construction is expected to generate 1,000 jobs over an 18-month period, with total payroll projected at $104 million. Once operational, the casino and hotel are projected to employ more than 1,000 workers, with average annual earnings estimated at $54,000.