Tribe allocates $3.7 million in 2 percent funds

Observer Staff

7/5/2005 12:00:00 AM

About $3.7 million was allocated to local governments, area schools and municipalities during the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan's semiannual 2 percent disbursement process.

Of that amount officially distributed on May 26 at the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways, $1.4 million went to Isabella County, while the city of Mt. Pleasant received $458,000. About $1 million was given to Mt. Pleasant Public Schools for 95 different projects and Shepherd Public Schools received about $288,000.

Since 1994, the Tribe has distributed over $70 million as part of the 2 percent process. In accordance with its consent agreement with the state, the Tribe distributes 2 percent of Class III gaming revenues on a semi-annual basis.

Other allocations made included: Chippewa Township, $112,236.51; Isabella Township, $306,746.78; Beal City Public Schools, $31,900; Isabella/Gratiot RESD & Special Education, $14,344.66; Chippewa Hills Public Schools, $11,250; Deerfield, Denver, Nottawa and Wise townships, $6,746.78 each. A complete breakdown of the individual projects funded will appear in the June 16 edition of the Tribal Observer.