Foundation gearing up for casino reauthorization campaign

WASHINGTON - The Washington County Riverboat Foundation is gearing up for a sooner-than-expected reauthorization campaign for the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort.

When Washington County voters approved the gambling referendum Aug. 31, 2004, the reauthorization vote was set for 2012. But the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has since mandated that the vote be held Nov. 2, 2010.

The foundation board discussed efforts to promote the election and the benefits from the casino, whose license it holds, at a recent meeting.

Board member Ed Raber suggested the foundation buy a full-page ad in the Washington Community Profile, a publication of the Washington Chamber of Commerce, for about $1,800.

He said the foundation needs to emphasize the good it has done in the area, especially through competitive grants and municipal allocations. One example is a $140,000 grant for the St. James Catholic Church's $2 million parish center project.

Board members agreed the casino itself probably would take the lead in seeking reauthorization, indicating it may spend upward of $100,000 to do so.

Without a favorable reauthorization vote, the license will not be renewed and the casino will not be able to operate.

By Mary Zielinski, News correspondent