Ground Breaks At Maryland Live, Promising New Jobs
HANOVER, Md. (WJZ)--There has been a ceremonial step forward to the most lucrative slots casino in the state.
Political reporter Pat Warren has more on what Marylanders can expect from Maryland Live.
Etched in stone--OK, concrete—is the signature slots casino for the state of Maryland—Maryland Live at Arundel Mills Mall.
But many who were there for the groundbreaking at Arundel Mills weren't standing on ceremony. Keith Hickman was looking for jobs.
"Nobody wants to build as of right now, but it looks like the work may be possible. This is one of the few projects that's on the table right now, so just looking forward to a joint venture and doing some business," said Hickman, Plaster and Cement Masons.
This project is expected to make Maryland $400 million and 4,000 jobs richer. And with jobs and revenue like that, some say it can't move fast enough.
"Somebody in Charleston, W.Va. who has a casino said it'd be a cold day in hell and hell would freeze over before there'd be a groundbreaking. Well, hell froze over last night, and we're breaking ground," said David Cordish, casino developer.
And it may be the start of a thaw for job seekers whose opportunities have been frozen by the economy.
"It's been tough for everybody. Hopefully it starts with construction, and it will lead into other things," Hickman said.
The jobs should be starting within months and the revenue by the end of the year.
Arundel Mills is one of five slots locations approved for the state. Casinos at Oceans Downs and Perryville have already opened.
