APPROVAL OF CORPS WOULD BE NEXT STEP

Convincing voters of the merits of riverboat gambling in Cape Girardeau has been the first order of business for proponents of the measure.

But if Tuesday's vote is favorable, those proposing to dock a riverboat casino in Cape Girardeau will have to make their pitch to government officials.

The Boyd Group, a Las Vegas gaming company that has proposed bringing a riverboat to Cape Girardeau, has promised a $37.5 million development that includes an entrance west of the floodwall with a walkway over the top of the wall to a riverboat docking structure.

The Army Corps of Engineers has jurisdiction over the Mississippi River and floodwall, and would have to approve any riverfront development.

Mike Brazier, chief of the regulatory branch of the corps' St. Louis district, said the permit process could be a lengthy one.

"I can't say we definitely would issue a permit," Brazier said. "We would work towards that, but we have to get a lot of information before that would happen.

"There are navigation concerns, safety issues, and going over the wall would bring up some issues that would have to be resolved."

Brazier said that "if things go smooth" the process would take at least 90-120 days.

He said the corps would invite public comments and seek recommendations from the Coast Guard before issuing a permit.

"We go to (the Coast Guard) a

lot regarding safety issues," he said. "There's a marine safety office in St. Louis that we work closely with. But the actual permit would have to come from us. The Coast Guard is more involved with ongoing operations."

Also likely to involve itself in the permit process is the Main Street Levy District.

Andrew Juden, president of the district's commission, said it's likely the corps and a gaming company would be able to work out an agreement.

He said the corps allowed a riverboat, the Rebel Queen, to be docked at the foot of the Broadway floodgate several years ago. The primary restriction on that boat was that it couldn't attach anything to the floodwall, Juden said.

"The wall was built in '58, and the corps has never let anyone attach anything to the wall," he said.

Juden said the corps would probably ask the levy district for comments regarding a riverboat development in its district, but the final decision remains with the corps.

The levy district operates the Merriwether pumping station when the river rises above a certain level. The district commissioners also are responsible for closing the floodgate when required by the state.

Juden said the only objections the levy district commission would have would be if a riverboat operation in some way interfered with their pumping operation.

He said officials with the Boyd Group already have discussed the issue with him.

"They came to me and asked me who they should see to get permission," Juden said. "I told them the Corps of Engineers.

"As far as structural integrity, all of those issues have to be resolved with the corps."

Keith Britt, a consultant for the Boyd Group, said the company obtained a permit from the Corps of Engineers for a riverboat in Natchez, Miss.

"They worked well with the people there and expedited the process," Britt said. "Of course, they had to go through a hearing process where they heard comments for and against the proposal.

"But I believe we won't have any problem coming up with an agreeable plan."

Britt said Charles Ruthe, president of the Boyd Group, has made initial contact with the Corps of Engineers, but is awaiting results of Tuesday's election before initiating the permit process.

"We kind of have to wait until it's passed to put final plans together," he said. "Our work with the corps, of course, could change how it goes over the wall and where exactly the boat's situated."

Brazier said the corps has approved a permit for a boat in East St. Louis and Sauget, Ill., and has worked with other gaming companies proposing similar developments around St. Louis.