CASINO MAGIC SUGGESTS SCOTT CITY ANNEX PORT

SCOTT CITY -- The gaming company which wants a casino at the Southeast Missouri Port Authority has asked commissioners to consider the feasibility of having Scott City annex the port.

The suggestion of annexation was made by Casino Magic, said the port's executive director, Dan Overbey. "They brought it up."

The company's lease option at the port is good through April. It is deciding whether and how to approach another election.

Riverboat gambling was defeated by Scott County voters Nov. 2. It lost decisively in Sikeston but passed in both Scott City wards.

Overbey said one obvious option is to repeat the election in Scott County.

Annexation, meanwhile, raises all kinds of procedural questions.

"If we're involved in annexing land, it puts a different complexion on things," Overbey said.

The Cape Girardeau and Scott county commissions, which commissioned the port and receive revenues from it, certainly would be involved in the decision, he said.

Another question is raised by the considerable distance between the port and the Scott City limits.

"This other idea is very tentative," Overbey said, "but it's in discussion, I guess."

He said the annexation option is Casino Magic's to pursue. "They would definitely have to take the lead, and the port would have to respond. I don't know if the commissioners would approve," he said.

Port Commissioner Mysie Keene said the idea is too new to discuss. "I would have to know more details, she said. "I can see some problems."

But from the standpoint of getting riverboat gambling passed, Keene said, "I also think it would work."