BARAGA– The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community announced the distribution of its 2% gaming revenue allocations for the period of October 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. A total of $348,910.12 was awarded to governmental agencies in both Baraga and Marquette County.

“The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community has been sharing a portion of its gaming revenues with local units of government since 1994,” said KBIC Tribal Council Treasurer, Theodore “Austin” Ayres. “The original agreement was made that year between KBIC, Baraga County, Baraga Township, and L’Anse Township. The formal agreement no longer exists; KBIC has continued this practice voluntarily for over 30 years, honoring its commitment to support the surrounding communities.”

The local units of government in Baraga County continue to receive an amount equivalent to what was historically received pursuant to a 1994 Agreement between KBIC, Baraga County, Baraga Township and L’Anse Township. Local units of government are able to petition ofr this money at various points in the year.

“Local units of government within Baraga and Marquette Counties can submit funding requests during the application periods twice a year,” said Ayres. “The KBIC Tribal Council reviews all submissions and makes award decisions based on community needs, with a priority on emergency services for the area.”

Baraga County’s distributions totaled $145,755.23 and went to:

• Baraga County – $26,811.46

• Baraga Area Schools – $30,641.67

• Township of Baraga – $10,533.08

• Bay Ambulance, Inc. – $50,000.00

• Village of Baraga – $8,617.97

• L’Anse Area Schools – $16,278.39

• Township of L’Anse – $1,915.10

• Village of L’Anse – $957.55

Marquette County’s distributions totaled $203,154.89 and went to:

• City of Marquette – Cultural Trail Interpretive Storymarker Public Art Project – $10,000.00

• City of Marquette – Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum – $5,000.00

• City of Marquette – David & Thu Brule YMCA of Marquette County – $6,000.00

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• Marquette County – Superior Watershed Partnership (KBIC Youth Conservation Corps & Great Lakes Tribal Conservation Corps Programs) – $35,000.00

• Marquette County – Superior Watershed Partnership – Public Programs – $7,500.00

• Marquette County Aging Services (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) – $3,750.00

• Marquette County Health Department – New Points Harm Reduction Program – $4,000.00

• Marquette County Planning Division – Map the Future Community Events – $3,000.00

• Marquette County – Central UP CISM/Peer Support Team – Mental Health and SUD Treatment for First Responders – $10,000.00

• Chocolay Township – Water Tower Fund – $31,000.00

• Chocolay Township Police Department – New Patrol Vehicle – $19,456.89

• Chocolay Township Fire Department – Sinking Fund for New Apparatus – $35,000.00

• Chocolay Township – Fire Hall Meeting Room A/V Technology Upgrades – $5,000.00

• Sands Township Fire Department – 2216 PSI Carbon Fiber Breathing Air Cylinders – $13,448.00

• Skandia West Branch Fire Department – Equipment – $15,000.00

“Being able to give back in ways that support our schools, emergency services, cultural programs, and public health initiatives is rewarding,” Ayres said. “These contributions are more than financial; they reflect our values of mutual respect and community partnership.”

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is aanderson@miningjournal.net.