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In a recent announcement by the Grand Traverse Band, the fire department was named as a recipient of some of the band's twiceyearly distribution of 2 percent of their slot machine revenues. Among other recipients was Whitewater Township, which received funds for planning along the M-72 corridor.

Township fire chief Larry Ball said the department plans to use the funds toward the purchase of a vehicle that will replace a 1971 Chevrolet van that acts as a utility vehicle and hauls the department's water rescue boat. The van, which was Elk Rapids Rescue's first ambulance, has also been used for landing zones and to carry personnel to mutual aid calls, he said.

A replacement vehicle will ideally be four-wheel drive in case it needs to be driven off-road, he added. Plans are still in their preliminary stages as the department didn't want to plan the usage of funds it didn't yet have.

Ball said the department will begin forming a truck committee during its Monday meeting, and it has a year to spend the funds.

When the department plans to purchase a new vehicle, Ball said they first form a committee then decide what the specifics of it should be, such as what its function is and what size it should be.

In addition to the Grand Traverse Band grant, Elk Rapids Township also has funds set aside for the vehicle's purchase.

"We do have some money set aside from the township budget to get the project accomplished," Ball said. "The grant from the tribe will be a big help in getting the process started."

Of 103 applications requesting a total of $3,836,212.82 from the Grand Traverse Band in their 2-percent distribution, 57 applicants were awarded, according to the band. The total distributed was $999,829.32.

Whitewater Twp. receives gaming funds
WILLIAMSBURG -- Whitewater Township will receive $10,000 in funding for "coordinated planning" along the M-72 corridor, according to the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

The Grand Traverse Band distributes 2 percent of its slot machine revenues twice yearly to local governments and recently released a list of recipients, which included Whitewater Township. Among other recipients was the Elk Rapids Township Fire Department, which received funds for a quick-response water and ice rescue vehicle.

Whitewater Township Clerk Carol Hockin said the funds granted to the township will be used to coordinate planning around the Village of Williamsburg as a new casino and other developments come up on M-72.

The funding will allow coordination among entities such as the township's planning commission, fire department, adjoining townships and the Grand Traverse Band, she said.

The Grand Traverse Band broke ground in October on a new, 347,000-square-foot casino resort that will include a 120- room state-of-the-art hotel, 64,000-square-foot gaming floor, concert and entertainment venues, restaurants and shops.

Hockin said the Whitewater Township Board of Trustees may discuss the funds at its next meeting, set for Feb. 20.

Of 103 applications requesting a total of $3,836,212.82 from the Grand Traverse Band in their 2-percent distribution, 57 applicants were awarded, according to the band. The total distributed was $999,829.32. -- Gretchen Augustine