Secondly, on a long-term basis, a goal is to reduce the tribal facility dependence on expensive, nonrenewable fossil fuels. As a result of the research one option-wind energy generation-is now at the final stage of being implemented through a congressionally directed project for several tribal buildings. One of the resulting long-term energy goals has been to offset high electric usage in the larger tribal buildings with alternative energy generation.

That project researched tribal energy usage and alternative energy options for the tribal reservation. Department of Energy (DOE) Tribal Energy Program First Steps grant in 2003 to develop a strategic energy plan/program. The White Earth Nation received and successfully implemented a U.S. 'Never going to recoup that money.This project integrates with the long-term energy goals of the Tribe in that the knowledge achieved will likely lead to implementation of another facility of the Tribe achieving a higher degree of self-sufficiency, operational profitability, and reduced dependence upon nonrenewable fossil fuels. 'My question now is what is going to happen to the adjoining land that was purchased for 3.7 million?' one citizen wrote in Facebook in response to the announcement. It's not immediately clear what will be happening to that land. The tribe, however, had purchased 225 acres surrounding the property and needed approval from Otter Tail County for a parking lot, hotel, recreational vehicle park, convention center and other amenities. It's located in traditional Ojibwe wild rice grounds. The 14.5-acre property has been in trust for decades. Tail County Draft Star Lake Casino Environmental Assessment

The entire project site is outlined in yellow. White Earth Nation gaming site in Star Lake, Minnesota. The facility at Star Lake would have been located on trust land away from the reservation. The tribe already operates two Shooting Star casinos on its reservation.

But the election of a new slate of leaders led to major changes on the reservation, Minnesota columnist Mike McFeely reported. The decision marks an abrupt turnaround for the tribe, whose prior administration remained committed to the project despite local opposition and lengthy delays in the environmental review. The vote was 4 to 0, according to a press release. The reservation business committee held a special meeting on Friday and rescinded the 2015 resolution that had authorized the development of a casino at Star Lake. After spending three years on the project, the White Earth Nation has withdrawn plans for a third gaming facility in Minnesota.

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