The Sumner County Commissioners are letting their wants be known as a resolution stating their preference for casino location was unanimously passed early Monday.
Resolution No. 2009-34 expressed the commission’s strong preference for a casino at Exit 19 in Wellington.
“The commission has consistently advocated Exit 19 for a casino which is centrally located in the county near Wellington, the county seat,” a press release stated.
The commission stressed why a site in Wellington should be chosen over those at Exit 33. Economic reasons, along with infrastructure and public support were sited as the biggest reasons for the commission backing Exit 19.
“...Exit 19 would provide for economic development and strong job growth for the entire county, not just northern Sumner County and Sedgwick County. Construction at Exit 33 would benefit primarily northern Sumner County and Sedgwick County at the expense of other Sumner County municipalities. Furthermore, the central location would most certainly stimulate further growth along the 160 Highway corridor, which has already experiences promising growth between Wellington and the Turnpike,” the press release said.
The commission stated the land for the proposals near Exit 33 “are subject to surface and flood water problems and are near residential developments that are vigorously objected to a casino.”
Infrastructure support already available at the Exit 19 site, public support for a casino and the belief revenues will be higher at Wellington were named as reasons for Exit 19.
“The commission believes that projected revenues at Exit 33 seriously understate the draw at Exit 19 of transit traffic and the desire of Oklahoma residents for a destination casino in southern Kansas rather than a mere gaming facility,” the statement said.
Sumner County counsel Jack Potucek says this is the first time during the casino process that such a resolution has been passed. It comes just two days before casino proposals will be heard by the Kansas Lottery and Gaming Review Board. Meeting for the South Central zone start at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Topeka.
The resolution was simply a way to make the wants of the commission known, Potucek said. Though the county commission has endorsed proposals at both Exit 19 and Exit 33, this makes the wants of the commission clear, he said.
It’s yet to be known what affect the resolution will have.
“That remains to be seen, but it is the County Commissioners effort to at least establish their strong preference for the central location.” Potucek said.
Wellington, Kan. —
