'As we work to bounce back from this pandemic, we must do everything we can to support economic development in communities across our state,' said Evers in a statement. The project is expected to create more than 1,500 permanent jobs and more than 2,000 construction jobs, according to the tribe. The complex is located west of Interstate 39/90 and just north of the Illinois border. The project would include one of the largest casinos in the state, along with a more than 45,000 square-foot convention center, 40,000 square-foot indoor water park and a 300-room hotel. The Ho-Chunk Nation first submitted an application for an off-reservation casino in 2012. Evers announced Wednesday that he concurred with the decision. Department of Interior approved the project, placing 32 acres of land in Beloit in trust for the new casino.

Tony Evers has agreed that the Ho-Chunk Nation's plans to build a $405 million casino in Beloit should move forward, paving the way for the project to become a reality.