The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) announced on Friday that a total of $191,871.57 of its video gaming revenue, also known as 2% allocation funds, will go towards Leelanau County organizations and agencies. Leelanau County is receiving one of the larger amounts of distributions in the area of $44,712.50, which will go to funding a “government to government agreement” prisoner housing contract.
“It’s really good to know and hear that the recipients are going to put the funding to good use and many have stated that without the funding, they may have not been able to provide the service or programming,” said David Arroyo, GTB tribal chairman. “It’s a privilege and honor for us to make a contribution and positive impact for the community and surrounding area and its good to know that we share and have the same values that many of our neighbors do... Whether they’re 501c3’s (nonprofits) or local units of government, its just good knowing that we are partnering with our neighbors to make our region a safer and better place for the community.”
Twice a year, the GTB distributes 2% funds to local units of government. A total distribution of $813,546.66 of gaming revenue allocation was announced last week for its winter cycle, with approximately 45 local applicants in Northern Michigan being awarded out of the 75 applications received. GTB will make a decision regarding the first half 2024 allocation in July.
Since the 2% allocation began in 1994, the tribe has distributed $46,323,969.43 to local organizations. Under the terms of a consent decree settling Tribes v. Engler, the GTB allocates 2% of its video gaming revenue to local units of government, as defined in the stipulation, no later than 60 days after October 1 and March 31 of each year. The payment schedule was modified with the consent of the state of Michigan to July 31 and January 31 of each year because the fiscal year of the GTBs gaming operation is calendar-based.
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners received the second largest amount of funds among county units of government. GTB awarded $34,000 to support Leelanau Christian Neighbors food pantry program, and $12,900 for Peninsula Housing in the collaborative design process to create development scenarios for affordable and attainable housing on two parcels in Suttons Bay.
The tribe also allotted $10,000 to support the solid waste council’s tire recycling clean up events and $5,000 for its mattress recycling events, as well as $5,000 for Safe Haven to continue providing safety and security to children and at-risk parents in situations of domestic violence and high conflict. Suttons Bay-Bingham Fire & Rescue Authority was awarded $31,080.95 to replace a 1996 Fire Tanker that has reached the end of its useful life.
Approximately $14,590 was awarded to the Leelanau County Fire Chief’s Association to help purchase and replace a respirator fit testing device that is shared among all departments in the county. Suttons Bay Public Schools also received $15,906.12 to support Leelanau Investing For Teens (LIFT) in the purchase of a second van, and $11,307 was awarded to help PoWeR! Book Bags provide their program at Suttons Bay school and Benodjenh Child Center by providing students six ageappropriate books of their choice and a filled literacy book bag. Elmwood Township Fire & Rescue received $7,375 to purchase a refurbished cardiac monitor.
