Organized labor is all aboard the planned development of a $225 million casino entertainment project in Wayland Township, south of Grand Rapids.

The go-ahead for the project awaits Gov. Granholm’s signature on a gaming compact with the State of Michigan and a final decision by the federal government to put land into trust for the purposes of the project. Both actions are considered imminent.

According to project representatives, development of the facility will create 500 new union construction jobs. Also, 1,800 full- and part-time operational jobs would be created in the community.

The project will be owned by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (commonly known as the Gun Lake Tribe) and developed and managed by Station Casinos, Inc. of Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We look forward to working with our union partners to get this exciting world class entertainment destination constructed and running for the benefit of the entire western Michigan community,” said D. K. Sprague, Gun Lake Tribal Chairman.

The project is supported by the following labor organizations: Southwest Michigan Building Trades Council, Operating Engineers Local 324, O.P.C.M.I.A. Local 16, I.B.E.W. Locals 131, 153 and 445, Laborers Local 335, Painters Local 312 and 1396, Roofers Local 70, Sprinkler Fitters Local 669, Boilermakers Local 169, Plumbers and Pipefitters Locals 172, 333 and 357, Iron Workers Local 292 and 340, Elevator Constructors Local 85, Insulators Local 47, Sheet Metal Locals 7and 20

While the project enjoys widespread support among labor organizations and western Michigan’s business community, labor organizations are being urged to contact Governor Granholm and urge her to sign the Tribe’s Compact.

Members are urged to call the governor’s office at (517) 373-3400 or write to Governor Granholm at P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, MI 48909; www.michigan.gov/gov and urge her to sign the Gun Lake Tribe’s gaming compact so that the Tribe can begin creating well-paying, greatly needed union construction jobs in western Michigan.

“Clearly, this project will help address the significant job loss that has plagued our state and help put some of our displaced workers back to work,” said Tom Boensch, Secretary-Treasurer of the Michigan Building Trades Council.