Upstream Battle Looms for Monroe's Best Riverboat Casino Prospect

Last month, Monroe officials confirmed that the city's Downtown Economic Development District had begun looking at bringing riverboat gambling to the district as a part of its plans to revitalize the aging downtown area. But before a riverboat can locate in Ouachita Parish, the city must get the needed approval from the state Legislature, the City Council and voters from all areas of Ouachita Parish.The DEDD's board has already initiated a study on bringing a gambling referendum before voters that could lead to a riverboat casino and hotel on the Ouachita River. Monroe Economic Development Officer Dwight Vines said there are additional steps that must be taken before the referendum makes it to voters. "The Legislature would have to introduce a bill authorizing a revote on riverboat gaming for the citizens of Ouachita Parish," Vines said. "Before they do that, we will probably want a resolution from as many local governments asking for the election."In October 1993, Ouachita Parish voters turned down a riverboat gambling referendum by a 71 percent to 29 percent margin. The parish was one of two parishes ? including Calcasieu ? that got the state Legislature's permission to vote on the matter.In addition to the Legislature's approval of a new riverboat casino referendum for the parish, Mayo said an additional bill would be required that would include the Ouachita River within the boundaries of Ouachita Parish to be designated as an area where riverboat gaming is allowed.

May 7, 2006
Posted By Hector Rodriguez
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