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Experts to Outline Maine Tribal Casino's Benefits1 October 2002AUGUSTA — A panel of economists will address the state's casino task force today and explain why the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes believe a resort with gambling could improve Maine's economy. The tribes believe the market can support a $500 million casino while generating hundreds of millions in tax dollars and tribe revenue. "The economists will `be showing where the numbers come from, the tax revenue and job projections, and where the information is that says Maine can support this kind of project,' said Erin Lehane, a project coordinator for the tribes. "The information comes months after the tribes first told legislators that a casino in southern Maine could create 4,000 new jobs and $100 million in gaming tax revenues for the state. Before the tribes can build a casino, however, the state must legalize casino gambling. "The Legislature anticipated receiving such a request next year, and formed a task force charged with studying the economic, social and traffic-related implications of a Maine-based casino. "…At its first meeting earlier this month, the task force asked the tribes for the economic data they used to determine the size of a potential casino. Because the task force is not authorized to issue an opinion about a specific proposal, it must treat the tribes' economic analysis generically…" |