Cape Area Magnet endorses casino development

Cape Girardeau Area Magnet is the latest local organization to support Isle of Capri's proposed $125 million casino development.

"We believe Isle of Capri Casinos' project will provide our region with potentially the single largest economic development opportunity in over 40 years," Magnet executive director Mitch Robinson said Friday.

Magnet is the regional economic development organization for the Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City area.

In a letter to the Missouri Gaming Commission, Magnet's board of directors, who voted unanimously to support the development, outlines 10 reasons it supports the project.

The creation of more than 400 jobs, new revenue of an estimated $3 million to the city and redevelopment of a blighted area were among the benefits cited.

Magnet board chairman Mark Lanzotti also pointed to a Missouri Gaming Commission study in 2008 concluding that Cape Girardeau was the best location for a new gaming operation.

"We have been delighted by all of the plans we have seen for the facility, as well as Isle's willingness to work closely with our community to develop the best project for our region," Lanzotti said.

Earlier this month, the board of directors of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce and Old Town Cape both endorsed Isle of Capri's casino development proposal.

In order for Isle of Capri to proceed with the project, the state gaming commission must award Cape Girardeau the state's only available casino license. Commissioners will be in Cape Girardeau at 1 p.m. Monday for a public hearing at the River Campus.

mmiller@semissourian.com

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