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Harrah's to Resume Illinois Project Construction

METROPOLIS, Illinois – As reported by the Paducah Sun: "Harrah's Entertainment says construction of a $62 million hotel and entertainment center should resume within a month and be finished by next spring, now that the project has been approved by the Illinois Gaming Board.

"The five-member board met Wednesday in Chicago and voted unanimously for the seven-story, 258-room development to complement Harrah's Metropolis Casino. The hotel will be accompanied by a 12,000-square-foot multipurpose center with 1,200 concert seats and up to 800 banquet-style seats. A 75-seat restaurant and bar area will also be part of the complex.

"…Approval had had been delayed since September by the lack of a board quorum. Harrah's stopped construction in January with much of the foundation work completed.

"…The hotel is expected to increase the number of annual gaming tourists from 1.3 million to 1.6 million and generate $1.5 million more annually in tax revenue for Metropolis and $11.7 million for Illinois. About 250 construction workers will be needed, followed by 100 hotel staffers…"

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