DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Assessment for Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana Event Center and Resort Fee-to-Trust Project, Great Falls, Montana

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Assessment for Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana Event Center and Resort Fee-to-Trust Project, Great Falls, Montana This notice advises the public that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), as lead, intends to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to identify and evaluate issues and environmental impacts related to the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana's (Little Shell; Tribe) Event Center and Resort Fee-to-Trust Project located adjacent to the northwestern boundary of the City of Great Falls (City), in Cascade County (County), Montana. The Proposed Action includes the federal approvals requested by the Tribe to implement its project, including 1) the transfer of 136 acres of fee land (Project Site) into federal trust status for the benefit of the Tribe under Section 5 of the Indian Reorganization Act and the BIA's implementing regulations at 25 CFR Part 151; and 2) the issuance of a Two-Part Determination by the Secretary of the Interior under Section 20 of Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and the BIA's implementing regulations at 25 CFR Part 292. Following the acquisition of the property into federal trust for gaming, the Tribe proposes to develop an entertainment complex that would include: a casino; a 200-room hotel; an indoor waterpark; a bowling alley and arcade; a 8,200- seat arena; restaurants and bars; and associated parking and utilities (Proposed Project). The Project Site consists of three parcels identified as Parcel Numbers 2591700, 2400750, and 2400700 and is located within Section 34 Township 21 North, Range 3 East and in Section 3 Township 20 North, Range 3 East of Montana Meridian as depicted on the USGS 7.5' quadrangle maps. A map identifying the location of the Project Site can be viewed online at LittleShellResortNEPA.com. This notice announces the beginning of the scoping process to solicit public comments concerning relevant information, studies, analysis, issues, and alternatives to be considered in the EA. Public comments will be accepted from January 19, 2026, to February 19, 2026. If you have any questions or would like to submit written comments, you may submit them by email or postal delivery to the address below. Please provide sufficient details so that we can accurately address your comments. Please include "Scoping Comments: Little Shell Event Center and Resort FTT Project" in the subject line of any correspondence. Written comments should be submitted to: Melissa Passes, Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist Branch of Environmental Planning and Cultural Resource Management Bureau of Indian Affairs - Rocky Mountain Region 2021 Fourth Avenue North Billings, Montana 59101 Phone: (406) 247-7911 (ext. 5160); Email: melissa.passes@bia.gov MNAXLP January 19 2026 LMTS0440662