The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians has announced the distribution of $689,660 – the first installment of its twice-yearly two percent allocation of video gaming revenue to local units of government.

Its largest allocation – $100,000 – went to both Suttons Bay Public Schools and Traverse City Area Public Schools for their Indian Education Program. Northport Schools received $45,000 and Elk Rapids Schools, $30,000.

A government to government contract with Leelanau County for its prisoner housing contract received $63,875. Among the other recipients were the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department, the Father Fred Food Pantry Program (via GT County), and the Leelanau County Senior Services Program.

Since the two percent allocation began in 1994, the Band has allocated more than $32 million dollars to hundreds of local organizations.