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June 5, 2007

Bill introduced to extend Newport Grand's deal to 2020

PROVIDENCE -- A bill was introduced in the General Assembly today to extend the state's current contract with Newport Grand for another 5 years.

If passed, the bill would lock in the facility's current gaming tax rate through 2020.

The bill would also restrict the City of Newport's ability to regulate Newport Grand. The city is embroiled in a court battle with Newport Grand that has prevented the facility from proceeding with renovation and expansion plans.

The bill says no city or town, where a video slot facility is authorized, may "seek to prevent the installation and use" of the authorized video slots.

It also says no city or town with a video-slot facility "shall enact any zoning restriction or any land-use ordinance or other local ordinance that may restrict or impede the installation and use of a video lottery terminal."

The sponsor, Rep. Henry C. Rose, D-East Providence, said he introduced the bill at the request of The Proccacianti Group, the developer that earlier this year announced plans to buy Newport Grand for $155 million.

-- Elizabeth Gudrais of the Journal State House Bureau

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 5:12 PM | Permalink

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Smitty | June 5, 2007 10:43 PM link

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