Gun Lake Investments (GLI), in conjunction with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), has announced construction is under way on a $4.4 million fuel and convenience store scheduled to open June 2017.
The store will be located south of Gun Lake Casino’s main entrance, adjacent to exit 61 off the U.S.-131 expressway.
The project is funded by an economic development partnership between GLI and the MEDC.
“This exciting first project accomplishes our objective of creating economic development opportunities for the Tribe and Michigan-based companies, while also providing more employment opportunities in West Michigan,” said Kurt Trevan, GLI Chief Executive Officer. “We designed the fuel and dining facility for visual appeal and convenience to enhance the experience of the customer.”
GLI is an economic development corporation owned by the Gun Lake Tribe. The MEDC is a recipient of state revenue sharing funds from tribal casinos. The tribe and State of Michigan in July announced a partial settlement agreement to resolve an interpretation of the tribal-state gaming compact. The agreement directed a portion of Gun Lake Casino state revenue sharing funds to GLIMI; a newly-formed entity with oversight by both the tribe and the state. The convenience store project is the first development funded by GLIMI.
“Economic development efforts should touch multiple industries for our state to be successful,” said MEDC Chief Executive Office Steve Arwood. “Since our agreement announcement this summer, w
e have been working on ways to also promote economic development opportunities for tribes based in Michigan. This is a positive first project, and we look forward to more collaboration moving forward.”
The fuel and convenience store will provide economic benefits to the Tribe, local community and the State. GLIMI hired West Michigan-based Rockford Construction, R.W. Mercer, Seven Generations A&E and J&H Oil to build the project with all subcontractors being Michigan-based companies. The project is being built by Michigan construction workers skilled in concrete, electrical, mechanical, stone masonry, ironworkers, plumbers, pipefitters, roofing and carpenters.
The project design includes modern elements and amenities that will provide the local community with a new fuel and dining option. The 6,700-square-foot facility will serve customers 24 hours a day/365 days a year. he project is located on tribal trust land.
“We applaud the Tribe and the State for collaborating on economic development projects that support our job market and provide new opportunities for small business owners here in West Michigan,” said Shane Napper, President of Rockford Construction.