Kenosha casino plan advances to final federal review stage

Federal officials have entered the final review phase for a proposed casino in Kenosha, Wisconsin, following the close of public comments on its environmental study.

At this stage, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the U.S. Department of the Interior are reviewing the full administrative record for the draft environmental assessment. What they decide next will determine whether the project clears the federal hurdle. If it does, the proposal will land on Gov. Tony Evers’ desk for another review and the ultimate call.

Under the plan, the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin would own the casino and its related operations. Hard Rock International is slated to build and run the development, which would sit on roughly 60 acres just west of Interstate 94.

What the federal review phase means for the Kenosha casino project

With public comments now closed, federal agencies are evaluating whether the project meets all regulatory requirements. Their decision will determine if the proposal advances to the state level, where final approval would rest with the governor.

Project details and economic impact

Developers envision a sizable entertainment destination centered on a casino floor featuring 1,500 slot machines, more than 50 table games and a sportsbook. The complex would also include a 150-room Hard Rock Hotel, a Hard Rock Cafe, seven more restaurants, a Hard Rock Live venue, three bars and a retail shop.

Backers continue to emphasize the project’s economic upside. Plans estimate about 1,000 construction jobs over an 18-month buildout, generating a combined payroll of $104 million. Once open, the casino and hotel are expected to employ more than 1,000 people, with average yearly pay projected at $54,000.

Environmental assessment findings and regulatory outlook

The draft environmental assessment previously concluded the development could proceed under federal law without causing significant environmental harm. That finding has helped draw support from state and local leaders, many of whom submitted comments urging federal regulators to give the green light.

Support from Wisconsin lawmakers and local officials

A bipartisan group of Wisconsin lawmakers also weighed in, including senators Robert Wirch, D-Pleasant Prairie, and Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, along with representatives Elijah Behnke, R-Oconto, Ben DeSmidt, D-Kenosha, Tip McGuire, D-Kenosha, and Jeff Mursau, R-Crivitz. In their letter, they pointed to ongoing cooperation between the Menominee Tribe and state officials.

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman pushed for the process to move ahead without requiring additional environmental review.

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.

She also pointed to years of consistent backing. “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.”

Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala said the proposal aligns with the city’s development vision. “The city anticipates the project will have a positive impact on the city’s social structure and community character,” Bogdala wrote, adding it would expand entertainment options while aligning with existing land uses.

Tribal leadership perspective on project readiness

Menominee Indian Tribe Chairman Joey Awonohopay said the backing reflects the project’s readiness to proceed. “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,” he said.

“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.

What happens next in the approval process

The next step depends on the outcome of the federal review. If approved, the proposal will move to Gov. Tony Evers, whose decision will ultimately determine whether the Kenosha casino project moves forward.

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