HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes on Thursday began the process of seeking potential locations for a jointly run casino north of Hartford to compete with a casino planned for nearby Springfield, Massachusetts.
Tribal leaders delivered their request for proposals to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, which will post the request online. Applications are due Nov. 6.
“We’re obviously looking for the best possible site, and we’re looking for everybody to have a fair shot at providing us with that site. So we’re encouraging people to submit,” said Barbara Pearce, president and CEO of Pearce Real Estate, which is administering the request process for the tribes.
The tribes expect to make a decision by Dec. 15 on a site that would serve 10,000 visitors a day. The General Assembly would then need to pass legislation allowing a third tribal casino in Connecticut. Lawmakers return to Hartford in February.
The Mashantucket Pequots own and operate Foxwoods Resort Casino; the Mohegans own and operate Mohegan Sun. Both are located in southeastern Connecticut. Tribal leaders have said jobs at those facilities will be at risk once MGM Resorts International opens an $800 million casino in Springfield.
Among other details, the request for proposals asks about the nearest highway, the utilities available, how adjacent properties are used, prior land uses and the local zoning approval process. Pearce said it also asks for the owner of the land and the municipality to acknowledge that they understand the parcel has been submitted to the tribes for consideration.
