Sarno: MGM has reassured him the company is committed to Springfield

Sept. 21, 2017 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com



SPRINGFIELD – Connecticut media reports indicate that MGM Resorts International intends to lobby the Connecticut legislature for passage of a bill that would allow the casino giant to build a casino in Bridgeport, CT.

The proposal is not concerning Mayor Domenic Sarno, though as MGM Springfield enters its final year of construction.

Writing in the Hartford Courant, reporter Kenneth R. Gosseelin noted the proposed $675 million casino would be designed to draw customers from New York City.

Like the Springfield casino, the project, if approved, is predicted to be a shot in the arm for Bridgeport’s economy.

According to a tweet from MGM Bridgeport, Mayor Joseph Ganim said at the announcement,  “This is not just about exciting entertainment, it’s about jobs. It’s about thousands of jobs.”

The MGM Bridgeport website predicts the new casino would result in 7,000 jobs and would pay the state a $50 million licensing fee as well as payments to local communities.

The website has an online petition and is urging people who support the idea to sign it to make the case to legislators.

Sarno issued a statement about the new development. He wrote, “MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Mr. James Murren had reached out to me last week reaffirming his full commitment to Springfield. My focus and his remains to have a very successful and robust MGM resort, the first in Massachusetts, in Springfield. Of note, MGM has been a very good corporate citizen. As for the Bridgeport, CT move, it offers a very lucrative New York City and Fairfield County market, that not only can generate jobs, investment and revenue to cash strapped Connecticut, but also, a plus for MGM Springfield, would be continued world renown entertainment acts matriculating up here to Springfield too. Either way MGM will continue to build and open a first class resort right here in Springfield.”

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