After gaining federal recognition, the Lumbee Tribe in the United States has reached a critical juncture in economic development — planning to build either a casino resort or a commercial industrial park on newly acquired land along I-95 in Robeson County, North Carolina. The tribe, through its profit-making entity, spent approximately $60 million to purchase 240-241 acres of farmland. The final development path will be determined by a tribal referendum, with either choice aimed at boosting the regional economy. Compliance cases for related tribal gaming projects can be referenced on the PASA official website.
Project Premise: Federal Recognition + Prime Location Lay the Foundation
The tribe can advance the casino plan, fundamentally relying on policy breakthroughs and geographical advantages:
Policy Key Point: Previously only recognized by the state, the Lumbee Tribe had no authority to operate gambling businesses; after Congress granted federal recognition, they finally obtained a legal gaming operation "entry ticket".
Land Core Advantage: Located near the interchange of I-95 and I-74, some plots adjacent to the interstate highway, 12 miles from Lumberton and 105 miles from Raleigh, I-95 serves as a busy traffic artery, easily attracting tourists and transit populations;
Land Purchase Details: Acquired through the tribe's profit entity, Lumbee Tribe Holdings, the land was originally farmland, with a total price of about $60 million, representing a strategic layout for the tribe's long-term economic development.
Dual Option Plan: Casino Resort vs. Commercial Industrial Park
The tribe offers two development paths, with the final decision left to about 60,000 tribal members:
Option One: Comprehensive Casino Resort
Core Business: Not only includes slot machines and other gaming facilities but also plans for an outlet shopping center, golf course, Top Golf style sports venues, and water parks;
Market Gap: Currently, there are no casino operations in eastern North Carolina, the project can fill the regional market gap, attracting surrounding consumer groups.
Option Two: Commercial and Industrial Park
Core Goal: If the referendum rejects gambling, the land will be transformed into an industrial park, focusing on attracting business investments, introducing large employers, and creating a regional employment and industrial highland;
Adapting Needs: Also focuses on long-term economic growth while considering the wishes of those who do not support gambling.
Economic Value and Security: Thousands of Jobs + Land Trust "Peace of Mind"
Whichever option is implemented, both carry significant economic value and risk control:
Employment and Economic Benefits: Tribal Chairman John Lowery states that both options are expected to create thousands of jobs, benefiting not only tribal lands but also becoming the economic "engine" of the entire eastern part of the state, promoting prosperity, health, and education;
Successful Precedents: The Eastern Band of Cherokee and the Catawba Tribe have turned their fortunes around through the gaming industry, becoming regional economic powerhouses, providing the Lumbee Tribe with reference experiences;
Land Security Guarantee: The newly purchased land will be included in the federal land trust, along with tribal headquarters and cultural centers, protected from government requisition, giving the tribe a "peace of mind" for development.
Currently, about 60,000 Lumbee tribal members are waiting for the referendum, and the project's subsequent construction timeline will depend on the voting results, regulatory approvals, and financing situations.
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