MARQUETTE — Chocolay Township is the largest recipient of the latest round of 2% funds from the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community with $76,000.

The KBIC biannual payments in Marquette County, which consists of 2% of its slot machine revenue at the Ojibwa Casino in Chocolay Township for the period of April 1 through Sept. 30 to local units of government, was $174,984, according to a KBIC press release.

While some of Chocolay Township’s disbursement will be allocated to the fire, police and public works departments, a large portion of the 2% funds will be used to repay KBIC $695,000 for its 75,000-gallon water tower.

The tower was financed by an up-front payment from KBIC to be reimbursed by subtracting $62,000 annually from its 2% payments to the township over 10 years.

The other entities receiving 2% funding this round are: $21,684.69 for a Forsyth Township police vehicle; $10,000 for Onota Township U.P. Central Trails; $10,000 to the City of Marquette/Hospitality House of the U.P.; $6.000 for the city of Marquette/YMCA; $3,000 for the Marquette County Planning Division 2040 Master Plan Region Rallies; $15,000 to the Marquette County Land Bank Authority Home Heating and Appliance; $2,000 for the Marquette County Health Department Dental Outreach programs; $2,000 for Lake Superior Life Care Hospice Adult Services; $5,000 for Marquette County Health Department Suicide Prevention Alliance; $2,500 for the Community Action Alger Marquette Meals on Wheels program; $5,000 for Marquette County Aging Services Retired and Senior Volunteer Program; $2,500 for the MarqTran Bus Transportation Program; $6,800 for the Marquette Area Public Schools Title VII Native American Education; and $2,500 for Forsyth Township Trailriders enthusiasts Alliance or T.E.A.M. all terrain vehicles.

The total allocation derived from the Ojibwa Casino Resort in Baraga for the same period was $139,372.65.

The 2% funding for that allocation was disbursed as follows: $34,219.28 to Baraga County; $41,196.47 for Baraga Area Schools; $13,784 for Baraga Township; $10,000 for Baraga Township/Bay Ambulance; $10,596.92 for the village of Baraga; $5,000 for the Baraga Fire Department; $20,561 for L’anse Area Schools; $2,317.63 for L’Anse Township; and $1,696.63 for L’Anse village, the press release states.

KBIC has been making biannual payments from the gaming proceeds of their casinos — 2% to local units of government and 8% to the state of Michigan.

The November 8% payments to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation totaled $557,490.62 for the Ojibwa Casino Resort-Baraga an $699,938.71 for the Ojibwa Casino-Marquette.

The next cycle of awards will be made in May 2020. Local units of government within Baraga or Marquette counties may apply. Written requests must be received before March 31 to be considered, the release states.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.