Backers of a proposed casino in downtown Lansing are asking a federal appeals court to toss out a legal ruling that threatens to bring their plans to a halt.
Last month a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians’ plans to build a $245 million casino in downtown Lansing.
Michigan’s attorney general sought the injunction claiming the tribe’s plans violated federal law and a state gambling compact.
The appeals court in Cincinnati has agreed to quickly deal with the tribe’s request to throw out the injunction. The tribe wants to be able to ask the federal government to take the land into trust so the tribe can begin construction of the casino.
Meanwhile, the lower court is moving ahead with the case which may eventually end with a trial.
