Today, 250 residents of Springfield are expected to attend a special session at which construction information about MGM’s casino project will be revealed. The event is set to begin at 8 a.m., local time.
The session is starting with a special presentation, during which information about the design of the gambling venue will be given. What is more, Hunter Clayton, an executive vice president of development for MGM Resorts International, and Gerri Harris, company’s executive director of diversity and contracts, will announce the long-awaited timeline for the property’s construction.
Various professionals who are interested in taking part in the project as well as residents of Springfield will be allowed to talk to Clayton, Harris, and other MGM representatives for about an hour.
Apart from offering to the public some additional details about the $800-million project, the company also aims at attracting more contractors and vendors which will help in both the construction of the facility and its operation once it is launched.
Mr. Clayton stated in a special email that their primary goal is to give people comprehensive information about the requirements they need to fulfil, in order to become part of the construction team. He also added that he and his colleagues are proud of the fact that their project is so important for the city’s well-being and that of the region, in general. This is why they intend to provide locals with many opportunities to engage in the establishment of the multimillion casino venue.
Currently, MGM Resorts International is in the process of obtaining all the permits needed, so as to be able to start the construction of the facility in the first months of 2015.
The company hopes that the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs will approve of its project. The regulatory body is now accepting residents’ comments on a study about MGM Springfield’s potential impact on local environment. People will be able to express their opinion up until December 24.
MGM will most probably announce the names of its first permanent employees some time in January. In addition, the general contractor is expected to be presented in February. The casino is scheduled to open doors in 2017.
MGM Resorts International has promised that at least 2,000 construction jobs will be created in the city, due to this project. The company will also make sure that members of minority groups, veterans, and women are also part of the construction teams. Furthermore, MGM has stated that more than 3,000 people will be employed, once the venue is ready to open doors. At least 70% of these will be hired on a full-time basis and will be given the respective benefits.
