Maryland Live! Casino Rakes In & Pours Out Millions Into Anne Arundel County Community
HANOVER, Md. (WJZ)—Major money for Anne Arundel County after Maryland Live! reveals its latest list of grant recipients.
Monique Griego has more on where the county casino revenue is going.
Maryland Live! casino is raking it in. And for the second year in a row, Anne Arundel County is reaping the benefits.
"The county gets approximately 5 percent of the gaming revenue that comes from this gaming facility," said Joe Weinberg, Cordish Company.
For the 2014 fiscal year, the county is projected to bring in $20 million in casino cash.
It's distributed among various organizations through local impact grants.
After a lengthy decision process, the county announced Wednesday where it will be allocated.
"The most important thing for us was that it was reinvested in the community surrounding the casino," said Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman.
Here's a breakdown of who received the biggest chunks of money:
The fire department got $7 million. The community college got $3.7 million. Meade High School received $3 million. Just under it, the police department is getting $2.7 million and the Peoples Community Health Centers are receiving $1.9 million.
For those in public safety, the extra money means being able to protect a community that's growing in size and need.
"That money gives us the opportunity to put supervisors, cops, uniforms in marked cars in an area that badly needs a presence," said Anne Arundel County Police Chief Kevin Davis.
"This money will help us keep up rather than fall behind the curve," said Chief Michael Cox. Anne Arundel County Fire Department.
Several grants also went to small organizations like Robert Cradle's barber shop, which provides grooming for the homeless to get them ready for job interviews.
"For the casino to actually pay attention to smaller nonprofits I know they really want to make an impact. They really want to get to the boots that's on the ground," Cradle said.
Anne Arundel County still has $1.5 million to give out. They're currently in the process of deciding where it will go.
Several schools, public libraries and Boys and Girls clubs also received grants.
