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Casino Touted as Good for Illinois County

ROCKFORD, Illinois – As reported by the Rockford Register Star: "Winnebago County and Rockford will benefit greatly from the planned casino complex north of the state line, Beloit and Indian casino leaders told the Rockford Area Economic Development Council Tuesday.

"The gathering of the board of public and private movers and shakers in Rockford and Winnebago County was closed to the press and public.

"The presentation, made by Joe Hunt, spokesman for the St. Croix and Bad River bands of the Chippewa tribe, detailed an economic impact study the bands commissioned that shows Winnebago County will net about 600 of the 3,000 jobs the gambling center is expected to create. Positive economic impact to Winnebago County is estimated by the Indians at $60 million.

"…Larry Arft, Beloit city manager, said the tone of the meeting was cooperative, an improvement over the mood at a similar meeting with the economic council in March. Back then, state Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, and former Mayor Doug Scott were opposing the Beloit project because they were hoping to get a casino for Rockford.

"But Morrissey has been trying to work with Beloit and hopes to coax the Indians to participate in a rail project linking the Rockford area with southern Wisconsin…"

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