The Menominee Nation’s dream of having a new casino in southern Wisconsin inched closer to reality Feb. 6 with the formal signing of an agreement with Kenosha officials at the state capitol in Madison.

The Kenosha County Board of Supervisors and the Kenosha Common Council approved intergovernmental agreements recently with the tribe. Those agreements are a necessary part of the process as the Menominee formally submit their request to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

“We’re very humbled and honored to have so many of our colleagues, our friends and our delegates show up and give support today at the signing,” said Joey Awonohopay, chairman for the Kenosha casino project, in a phone interview with NEW Media. “I think it shows not only the verbal support but the physical support behind the project.”