Officials Say Much Legwork Needed on Riverboat Casino
Monroe officials say they have more information gathering and support to garner for a riverboat casino on the Ouachita River before they take the issue to voters. Mayor Jamie Mayo and Downtown Economic Development District Chairman Wayne Williamson said there are still a lot of work and planning to do before voters are asked to support riverboat gambling on the Ouachita River.
They made their comments Wednesday in a meeting with The News-Star editorial board. "We're not yet to the point where we're trying to get people's support for the project up or down," Mayo said. "We are focusing on affording citizens the opportunity to vote on it. " Williamson said the board is close to completing a study on bringing a local gambling referendum before voters that could lead to a riverboat casino and hotel along the Ouachita River.
Meanwhile, city officials are lobbying local legislators for support in declaring the river a navigable waterway eligible for riverboat gambling and a bill to authorize a parishwide vote on the issue. Williamson said the idea has been met with some hesitancy by the local legislative delegation because many are up for re-election and are concerned about constituent support. However, he said state Sen. Charles Jones, D-Monroe, has indicated he would support introduction of the two bills if city officials can garner more local support. "It's also important to get the governor's support," Mayo said. "There's a slight possibility it could happen this year. "
May 27, 2006
Posted By Hector Rodriguez
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Previous Page | Internet Gambling | Top Online Casinos | Submit News!