Grand Traverse Band Announces Two Percent Grants

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians has announced the recipients of $854,574.38 in gaming revenue. The Grand Traverse Band allocates two percent of its video gaming revenue to local units of government, based upon compensating them for governmental services provided to the tribes and for impacts associated with the existence and location of the tribal casino in its vicinity.

The Tribal Council awarded 60 applicants from among the $1,653,865.87 requested by 78 applicants. Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix and Leelanau Counties received over $100,00 combined for prisoner housing contract. Among the other grants was $20,000 to the Benzie County Sheriff’s Office for upgrades to its jail camera system; $15,000 to Benzonia Township for Benzie Area Christian Neighbors programs; funding for various first responders; numerous grants for schools, both public and private; funding for programs serving veterans and the elderly; $25,000 for a new groomer at Mt. Holiday; and programs at Northwestern Michigan College focusing on success for tribal community members.

Since the two percent allocation began in 1994, the Grand Traverse Band has allocated $41,049,342.47 to local organizations.