The fight for casino expansion in North Carolina will continue into 2024
The Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District, Halifax County Tourism, the Halifax County Economic Development Commission and Halifax Horizons of North Carolina have all voiced their support for the Roanoke Rapids City Council to build a casino in the Carolina Crossroads Entertainment District. With that support, the chances of North Carolina continuing to work on casino expansion in 2024 remain high.
Casino legislation wasn’t included when the General Assembly approved the state budget earlier this month, but it’s expected to be debated again in the short session.
The RRSD board endorsed a resolution supporting the city’s actions on Tuesday. “We support economic growth. That would benefit us as far as more customer base and more income for the sanitary district,” said RRSD board chairman James Kerr. “We feel like it’s the best thing for the county for job growth and economic development.”
The resolution states that
"The Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District Board of Commissioners feels that the jobs and investment as a result of the project will generate increased revenues for the Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District and all of Halifax County, and stimulate significant employment opportunities for our citizens."
A resolution was adopted by the Halifax County Economic Development Commission on October 4, with chairman Ronnie Locke saying the board voted unanimously to support the city’s proposal. This resolution and the one endorsed on September 26 by the tourism board will be presented to state officials and county commissioners.
Tourism’s resolution cites Carolina Crossroads as a qualified zone for a Rural Tourism District.
"The Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors believes that a Rural Tourism District allowing casino and Class III gaming operations would encourage and support tourism, generate increased tax and other revenues for the city of Roanoke Rapids and all of Halifax County, and stimulate employment opportunities for our citizens."
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
