Penn National Gaming Proposes Kansas Casino

COLUMBUS, Kansas – As reported by the Joplin Globe: "An official with Penn National Gaming on Monday laid out for the Cherokee County Commission plans for a hotel and casino complex in the county.

"'We
  believe in Cherokee County, I can tell you that,' said Richard Klemp, vice president for government relations for Penn National.

"The casino and hotel would require a minimum $225 million investment by the operator, according to a bill recently approved by the Kansas Legislature. Klemp said the operation would employ 1,500 people. The hotel would have 250 rooms, with opportunities to expand if the market requires it. It would be built between Baxter Springs and Galena, about a half-mile from the Interstate 44 exit to Baxter Springs. The company is aiming for a January 2009 opening date.

"State Rep. Doug Gatewood, D-Columbus, said that if the complex has a $180 million assessed valuation, it could reduce the countywide property-tax rate by 28.512 mills, according to his calculation. He said the casino’s valuation would reduce the annual taxes on a $100,000 house by $327.89 and a $100,000 commercial building by $712.80.

"…The commissioners said they probably would decide in two weeks on what date to hold a referendum election on the casino.. . .

"The complex would be owned by the state but operated by a contract operator. County Counselor Kevin Cure said the Kansas Lottery Commission would have 30 days after the bill is signed to develop criteria for the casino operators and would set a deadline for operators to submit proposals. The lottery panel would name the operator within 90 days of the deadline.