FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mary Shomin 231-534-7601 Mary.Shomin@gtbindians.com THE GRAND TRAVERSE BAND ANNOUNCES $ IN LOCAL 2% FUNDS Organizations Receive Funds via Tribe s Twice Per Year 2 Percent Allocation PESHAWBESTOWN, MICHIGAN, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 -- The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians is pleased to announce the distribution of $882,523.22 of gaming revenue allocation to local units of government. The dollars have been allocated to 55 local applicants as part of the Tribe s 2 percent allocation, which takes place twice per year. Under the terms of a consent decree settling Tribes v. Engler (Case no. 1:90-CV-611, U.S. District Court, Western District Michigan), the Grand Traverse Band allocates 2 percent of its video gaming revenue to local units of government, as defined in the stipulation, no later than 60 days after October 1 st and March 31 st of each year. This payment schedule was modified with the consent of the State of Michigan to July 31 st and January 31 st of each year because the fiscal year of the Grand Traverse Band s gaming operation is calendar-based. Since the 2 percent allocation began in 1994, the Grand Traverse Band has allocated $33,167,860.90 to hundreds of local organizations. "The test for determining the distribution standards, as outlined in Tribes v. Engler are: Each tribe shall determine which local unit or units of government shall receive payments and the amounts thereof; provided however, the guidelines governing the tribes in making said determinations shall be based upon compensating said local units of government for governmental services provided to the tribes and for impacts associated with the existence and location of the tribal casino in its vicinity; and provided further, however each local unit of government shall receive no less than an amount equivalent to its share of ad valorem property taxes On January 28, 2015, the Tribal Council voted to determine which organizations would receive allocations. Of the 101 applications received, totaling $2,472,661.32 in requests, the Tribal Council awarded 55 for a total of $882,523.22. The Grand Traverse Band will make its decision regarding the first 2015 Two Percent allocation in June 2015. It is with great pleasure that the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians is able to provide all citizens of Northern Michigan with these services that are furnished solely by gaming revenues.
NAME OF 2% RECIPIENT AMOUNT Gov't to Gov't Agreement - Antrim County Prisoner Housing Contract $ 12,775.00 Gov't to Gov't Agreement - Benzie County Prisoner Housing Contract $ 19,162.50 Gov't to Gov't Agreement - Charlevoix County Prisoner Housing Contract $ 12,775.00 Gov't to Gov't Agreement - Leelanau County Prisoner Housing Contract $ 63,875.00 Almira Township Mechanical Chest Compression Device. $ 14,717.90 Antrim County Funding to support 48 athletes with intellectual disabilities from this area to attend the Special Olympics Michigan 2015 Summer Games $ 5,000.00 Banks Township Fire Department Purchase of a Lucas 2 Chest Compression System; Lucas Battery; Chargers, Lucas 2 Power Supply, and Lucas Back Plate Grip Tape. $ 14,269.38 Bay Area Transportation Authority Funding for BATA and Michigan Land Use Institute to develop and execute Phase One of a pilot transit marketing and outreach campaign that will focus on gaining new bus riders on its improved bus service. $ 29,000.00 Benzie Central Schools Funding for the SEEDS Benzie County Youth Conservation Corps, which will provide job training for Benzie County youth attending Benzie County Schools and Benzie Academy on stream and habitat restoration on the Platte River. $ 12,500.00
Benzie County Funding for emergency communications equipment to improve our Amateur Radio Emergency Services and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services that are utilized in emergencies. $ 6,940.21 Benzie County Funding to acquire safety equipment and clothing for Citizens Emergency Response Team members that work to prepare communities to help themselves in the event of disasters. $ 1,460.00 Benzie County Road Commission Funding to repair and rehabilitate the Reynolds Road Bridge, located just north of Wallin Road in Colfax Township. $ 9,300.00 Benzie County Sheriff's Office Funding for 4-dual-band 800 MHz radios so all road patrol officers are assigned one. $ 19,350.00 Benzonia Township Funding for the Benzie Area Christian Neighbors Food Pantry. $ 15,360.00 Benzonia Township Funding to provide and support a Bike Ride for people with disabilities. $ 5,360.00 Cedar Fire Department Funding to purchase Lucas 2 battery chargers; Lucas 2 batteries; Lucas Power Supplies with cord; Lucas Back Plate Grip Tape. $ 14,967.90
Charlevoix Township Funding for the Charlevoix Area Community Pool for the programs that benefit all ages and economic resource to participate in year-long activities and events such as dollar night, aqua exercise, lap swim, lessons for children and adults, physical therapy, and water safety trainings. $ 15,000.00 City of Charlevoix Funding for the Third Day Fellowship Program for Charlevoix residents. $ 6,000.00 City of Charlevoix Funding for Colorado Challenge a week-long camp for underprivileged and low-income homes, and foster homes, to learn team building skills, create new friendships, and instill self-confidence. $ 4,000.00 City of Frankfort Funding for a thermal imaging camera, ventilation saw, and firefighter identification card, printer, and software all lifesaving equipment for the City of Frankfort Fire Department that will provide additional support towards improving safety of the firefighters and community. $ 13,950.00 City of Frankfort Funding for the Frankfort Park & Recreation Department for the construction of a skateboard park in Market Square Park. $ 11,000.00 City of Traverse City/Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority Funding for renovation of the Historic Barns Park, which is 56 acres of rolling meadows, woodlots, and wetlands in the SW corner of the Grand Traverse Commons. $ 10,000.00 East Bay EMS Funding to purchase an automated blood pressure monitor and pulse oximeter device. $ 3,900.00
Elk Rapids Public Schools SEEDS Funding for the SEEDS Youth Corps to construct an outdoor classroom at the Mill Creek Elementary school; the outdoor classroom will consist of ADA trails. $ 13,875.00 Elk Rapids Township Fire Department Funding for the replacement of aging interior fire attack hose to replace outdated fire hose with an industry standard hose. $ 3,417.00 Elmwood Township Fire and Rescue Funding to replace existing Automated External Defibrillators with a LIFEPAK 1000 Defibrillator. $ 2,595.00 Glen Lake Fire Department Funding for Hazmat IQ Safe Kits, which contain tools and equipment that will help department members recognize and identify hazardous materials and hazardous material situations quicker. Funding will also be for the purchase of a Nikon 10x50 binoculars and field guides to identify materials and access possible hazardous situations from a distance. Funding for the Child and Family Services of Northwest Michigan s Safe Haven Program. This program assures the safety, security, and dignity of all members of families who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. $ 6,710.96 $ 30,601.28 Funding for the Goodwill Inn Homeless Shelter s Street Outreach Program; the Goodwill Inn Homeless Shelter; Patriot Place Transitional Housing Community for Veterans; and Housing Support Services. $ 35,000.00 Funding towards the Kingsley Project Graduation 2015, to provide planned chemical-free activities at an all-night graduating party for Kingsley seniors. $ 3,000.00
Funding for Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation to equip the area ambulances with Ready Link, a portable ECG device that will provide accurate detection of heart attack victims while in the field. $ 16,000.00 Funding for Reining Liberty Ranch s Horses 4 Heroes Program, which is three, 8-week phases offered three times a year to 4 to 6 veterans during each phase. This program services Veterans and their families, and other disabled/atrisk individuals within the community by offering programs centered around the horse-human relationship. $ 9,857.00 Funding for Third Level Crisis Services 24-hour intervention services, which are services available to all residents of Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Manistee counties who are experiencing substance abuse, mental health issues, and other distress situations. $ 35,384.20 Funding for the Traverse City At-Risk Boxing Program, which promotes physical fitness for at-risk youth through the sport of amateur boxing in individual or group training sessions. $ 15,000.00 Funding for the Traverse Health Clinic for space planning, development of site criteria, workload projections, realtor search, identifying architect and budgeting for the next phase in order to best meet future needs. $ 10,000.00 Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department Funding to purchase a Lucas Chest Compression System to be located at the central location of Station #1 on Three Mile Road. This location covers the heart of East Bay Township residential district. $ 11,930.18
Grand Traverse Rural Fire Department Funding to place ice rescue equipment and personal protective equipment at all five stations for water and ice rescue responses. Additionally, 2 boats will be located at Whitewater Township and Green Lake Township to provide rapid response. $ 45,000.00 Greenspire School/Greenspire Charitable Foundation Funding for school s budgetary issues. $ 7,000.00 Kingsley Area Ambulance Service Funding to purchase a Thumper, which is a mechanical CPR devise that is designed to replace a responder from physically performing chest compressions during cardiac arrest. $ 10,050.00 Leelanau County Board of Commissioners Funding for the Leelanau County Prosecutor s Office for the purchase of a training for Canine Companions for Independence and Courthouse Dogs Foundation to be used for abused children, victims of crimes, and teens who have suffered from heinous crimes, such as sexual and physical abuse, rape and incest. Leelanau County Board of Commissioners Funding for the Leelanau County Senior Services Unmet Needs Program, which is based on income and asset levels; Assistance in this program includes heating an utility assistance, home repairs, medical bills, hearing aids, eye glasses and Freedom Alert emergency pendants. $ 6,776.00 $ 4,000.00 Leelanau Township Funding to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) for the firefighters of the Leelanau Township Emergency Services. $ 19,996.00 Leelanau Township Funding for the Leelanau County and Leelanau Parks and Recreation s Master Plan for the purchase of new playground equipment at Peterson Park to replace the current equipment that is 50 to 60 years old and not up to current safety standards.. $ 20,000.00
Leland Township Seeking funding to offset the cost of annual maintenance dredging, maintenance and repair of GTB mooring space, and energy used to insure that GTB fishers can navigate during the winter season. $ 25,000.00 Northwestern Michigan College Funding to continue financial support for the Native American Student Organization on the NMC campus and Summer Camp Immersion Program for Native American High School students. $ 51,120.00 Solon Township Funding for repairs at the Victoria Park s lighted softball field to ensure that no electrical outages occur during park use at night, during sporting events. $ 2,603.29 Suttons Bay Public School Funding for the Anishinaabemowin 2-year Level Proficiency Program to meet the standard for students of a world language. $ 60,000.00 Suttons Bay Township Funding for the purchase of a large blackboard to be placed on one of the tennis courts at Herman Park. $ 5,500.00 Traverse Bay Intermediate School District Funding for the Junior Achievement Program, which empowers students in K-12 in work-readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills; and use experiential learning to inspire kids to dream big and reach their potential. $ 12,000.00 Traverse Bay Intermediate School District Funding for Michael's Place in-school (regional) griefsupport no-cost programs and services to families, children, teens, and individuals while eliminating barriers - whether financial, geographical, or cultural - in the region. $ 19,444.42
Traverse Bay Intermediate School District Funding for the SEEDS Youth Conservation Corps, developed to employ and engage young at-risk women of a 5-county region to work on agricultural projects at local farms, the garden project at the Grand Traverse Commons, historic building preservation in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore boardwalk, and trail development for local land stewardship organizations and conservation districts and weatherization of low income homes. Additionally, each team member will participate in enrichment, adventure programming, life-skill instruction and learn about issues that confront young women in our society. $ 12,500.00 Traverse City Area Public Schools Funding for the Students in Transition Empowerment Program (STEP), which is a free program administered by TCAPS that ensures the educational rights of families and youth who lack fixed, regular and adequate housing, as required by the McKenny-Vinto Homeless Assistance Act. $ 10,000.00 Traverse City Area Public Schools Funding for the continuation of the Anishinaabemowin Program. $ 30,000.00 Traverse Heights Elementary School Funding to provide first-hand experiences for students in the benefit of solar energy that will be incorporated into a summer school program for Traverse Heights. $ 22,000.00 Village of Central Lake Funding to purchase a new video camera system with compatible officer worn body camera for new vehicle to be purchased in 2015. $ 5,500.00 Total Second-Half 2014 2% Distribution $ 882,523.22