"We are preparing to break ground as quickly as possible at National Harbor," Lorenzo Creighton, MGM National Harbor president, told the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission on Thursday. "We are working closely with Prince George’s County officials to start as soon as possible. As soon as we have the proper permits and approvals, we won’t miss a day, because we are committed to beginning the flow of benefits as quickly as possible."
Now, there is a fly in the ointment, and it seems clear Creighton's idea of "working closely" is different from that of county officials themselves. The Washington Post reports that before building permits are issued for construction of the $925 million casino resort, Prince George’s County lawmakers are prepared to pass legislation requiring that residents get a shot at jobs and that minority and local businesses have an opportunity to bid for contracts related to the project.
The bill, “Video Lottery Facility Economic Opportunities,” is expected to be voted out of committee Thursday and could go before the full council next month. It has been sponsored by six of nine council members and has the support of at least two others.
Officials of MGM National Harbor say such legislation could be a “roadblock” that would jeopardize the project’s construction schedule and ultimate opening of the nearly 1 million-square-foot resort and casino by July 2016. The legislation's movement toward passage also indicates that lawmakers were not swayed by Creighton's assurances in February that many local businesses would play a significant role in the casino's construction.
Voters approved creation of a Prince George's County casino in November 2012, and in December 2013 the state selected National Harbor for the site over two competitors.
Source: Washington Business Journal
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