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Thursday, May 29, 2008

Racino Could Help Entire Area



      In the end, it wasn't even close.
       The state Racing Commission on Tuesday voted 5-0 to approve the transfer of Downs at Albuquerque to a planned $65 million track in Moriarty.
       Paul Blanchard, president of the Downs, says groundbreaking on the 500-acre site could be as early as this fall with racing starting by spring 2010. Opponents of the decision, primarily the pueblos of Laguna and Acoma, indicate they aren't done fighting the move, implying the decision violates gaming compacts the tribes signed with the state in 2001. Whether they will take their fight to court remains unknown.
       But barring any protracted battle, it looks like Moriarty will be getting a casino and racetrack. And while the full impact is unknown, what can be surmised is that the little town in the heart of New Mexico will be changed forever.
       Up front, Blanchard has estimated at least 400 people will work at the racetrack and casino. Construction will bring much needed gross receipts tax revenue to Moriarty. And if plans to build a hotel and resort on the property pan out, Moriarty could see itself as a destination instead of a place where you have to pull off the freeway during a snowstorm.
       The city faces many challenges, as well. Chief among them will be to provide public safety and infrastructure. The city, along with Torrance County, is already at work to determine just what those needs are and the best way to meet them. That may include a large investment, and that's where things could get sticky. There is an inherent risk in taking on a project this large, but both the city and the county seem to be looking forward to the challenge.
       This is a project with tremendous potential upside for Moriarty and the Estancia Valley, and Blanchard will have plenty of consultants, lawyers and other experts to get the project up and running. They'll be looking out for his interests. Local government should consider hiring someone with economic development experience to help ensure the project goes smoothly and works for everyone involved.
   

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