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Expo Casino May Be Shelved

NEW MEXICO – As reported by the Albuquerque Times: "A plan for a casino at Expo New Mexico might be permanently shelved.

"Fred Peralta, general manager of Expo New Mexico, said a study last fall showed the casino proposed for Louisiana Boulevard and Central Avenue Northeast could pay for itself and generate a profit.

"But the project has since been put 'on hold indefinitely' as Expo officials look at financing a facility that - if built at the easily accessible Louisiana and Central location - could cost about $26 million, Peralta said.

"…Bernalillo County Commissioner Deanna Archuleta-Loeser, who represents the area that includes Expo New Mexico, said the fact that Expo officials even conducted a study looking at a casino's financial impact was a sign that the project was moving forward.

"That's why on Monday she joined City Councilor Martin Heinrich - whose district also includes Expo New Mexico - at a news conference calling for Expo officials to study the impact of a casino on the neighborhood.

"…Peralta said he has indicated to Heinrich and Archuleta-Loeser that Expo New Mexico would do such a study - but only if the project moves forward.

"…Expo officials have expressed fear that the struggling Downs at Albuquerque racetrack casino could die within 10 years if nothing is done…"

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