Notice of Intent

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has initiated the preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze the potential environmental consequences of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana (Tribe) application for a proposed fee-to-trust transfer of an approximately 136-acre parcel in Great Falls, Montana, for gaming purposes (Proposed Action). The Proposed Project includes the development of an entertainment complex that would include a casino, 200-room hotel, indoor waterpark, bowling alley and arcade, 8,200-seat arena, restaurants and bars, and associated parking and utilities. The federal actions necessary to implement the Proposed Project trigger the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). For the purpose of the EA, the BIA will serve as the Lead Agency for compliance with NEPA.

A Notice of Intent (NOI) for the Proposed Project was issued on January 19, 2026. The NOI described the Proposed Action and announced the initiation of the 30-day public scoping comment period, which ended on February 19, 2026. The purpose of the public scoping process was to identify potential environmental issues, concerns, reasonable mitigation measures, and alternatives to be considered in the EA.

Once the EA is complete, the BIA will issue a Notice of Availability (NOA) which will announce the initiation of a public review and comment period. Individuals who submitted comments during the scoping comment period have been added to the BIA’s public notice list and will receive a copy of the NOA when the EA is available for review.

If you did not submit a comment, but would like to be added to the BIA’s public notice list for this project, you may mail or hand-deliver your request to the address below or submit via email to IA_RMRO_Environmental@bia.gov. Please include your name, return address, and “Little Shell Event Center and Resort FTT Project” on the first page of your written request or in the subject line of emailed requests.

Branch of Environmental Planning and Cultural Resource Management
Bureau of Indian Affairs – Rocky Mountain Region
2021 Fourth Avenue
North Billings, MT 59101