The Osage Nation Lake Ozark Casino Resort Project

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Department of the Interior, has released a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) dated July 2025 for the Osage Nation Lake Ozark Casino Resort Project (Proposed Project). The Proposed Project involves the acquisition into federal trust of approximately 27.6 acres of fee land owned by the Osage Nation (Nation) within the City of Lake Ozark in Miller County, Missouri (Project Site). The Project Site comprises one parcel (Assessor Parcel No. 129032000000012000) and is bounded by Bagnell Dam Boulevard and Osage Beach Parkway. The Project Site will be used for the development of a Class II gaming facility and hotel.

The Proposed Action includes the federal approvals requested by the Nation to implement its project, including the transfer of the Project Site into federal trust status for the benefit of the Nation under Section 5 of the Indian Reorganization Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5108, and issuance of a Two-Part Determination by the Secretary of the Interior under Section 20 of Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. § 2719. The EA has been completed in accordance with requirements set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq., and assesses potential environmental impacts that could result from the BIA’s approval of the Proposed Action.

The BIA serves as the Lead Agency for NEPA compliance. Based on the analysis and impacts discussed in the EA and comments received during the public review period, the BIA will decide whether to reach a Finding of No Significant Impact or require additional analysis.

25 CFR 2.203 requires a 30-day appeal period, after the decision to proceed with the action is made, before the action may be implemented. The Draft EA is available for public review beginning July 31, 2025. Written comments should be received on or before September 2, 2025. Written comments for the EA should be addressed to: Regional Director, BIA, EORO, P.O. Box 8002, Muskogee, Oklahoma 74402-8002 or submitted via email to admin@osagelakeozarkea.com.