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St. Lawrence County Gambles On Getting A Casino

Story Published: Feb 6, 2013 at 3:16 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 6, 2013 at 7:18 PM EDT

St. Lawrence County Legislator Sam Burns says he is hopeful that a 10-acre property owned by Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority could one day be home to a casino and resort facility.

"It's all about jobs," said Burns (D. - District 1). "That's what we have to do is create jobs for people in the north country."
 
Governor Cuomo has proposed building three non-Indian casinos in upstate New York, but he hasn't given any indication where they might be located.

During his visit to St. Lawrence County Tuesday to push his budget initiatives, the governor said the casinos make sense from an economic development prospective.
 
"It could be a great tourism attraction, bringing people from New York City and the surrounding areas of the state," said Cuomo.
 
County officials say while attracting a casino to Ogdensburg may be a long shot, it's a gamble they can't overlook.
 
County officials gave the governor a pamphlet containing a preliminary casino proposal.

Legislators say the county needs to change its luck after experiencing losses of industry, jobs and a high poverty level.

"It's away from the Mohawk casino and it's farther from the one in Gananoque," said Legislator Fred Morrill (D - District 6).                                     
 
The Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority meets next week to act on whether to support offering its property that includes its administrative building as a preferred casino location.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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