The US Department of the Interior has officially placed 400 acres of Prairie Island Indian Community land in Olmsted County, Minnesota, into trust. This decision strengthens the tribe’s sovereignty and creates a safety net for their gaming operations.
A Step Toward Sovereignty and Security
The 400-acre parcel, part of a larger 1,200 acres purchased in 2019 for $15.5 million, was previously designated for a failed Elk Run biotechnology project. While the Prairie Island Indian Community has no immediate development plans, the site could serve as a temporary emergency casino if the nearby Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant affects the tribe’s flagship Treasure Island Casino.
The transfer allows the land to be developed after a six-year forbearance period. This move enhances the tribe’s control over its resources and opens opportunities for housing, business projects, and cultural initiatives.
Prairie Island Indian Community Council President Grant Johnson thanked the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Governor Tim Walz, and the City of Pine Island for their support. He emphasized the significance of this decision, stating: “This latest move recognizes the tribe’s sovereignty and allows it to participate in business development, housing, and environmental and cultural protection programs.” He described the transfer as “an important step forward in providing a more secure future” for upcoming generations.
In a letter to Governor Walz on November 8, the tribe outlined its plans for the land in case of emergencies. Should a catastrophic event force Treasure Island Casino to close, the tribe could establish an interim gaming facility on the Olmsted County site.
The tribe estimates this emergency project could generate $86.1 million in annual revenue and provide 342 jobs. Building the temporary facility would cost roughly $24 million.
Looking forward, Johnson expressed hopes that additional land from the Elk Run property will also be placed into trust. The tribe envisions using this land for housing and other non-gaming developments.
The land’s transfer marks a significant step toward economic resilience and tribal self-determination. With plans for both emergency operations and long-term development, the Prairie Island Indian Community is ensuring a sustainable path for its future.
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