Linn County Casino Vote: Marion Economic Development Co. Says Casino Will Help Local Economy

The Marion Economic Development Co. has announced its support for a casino in Linn County.

"The Board believes that a casino will expand and facilitate economic development in Linn County and a yes vote by Linn County voters is encouraged on March 5, 2013,” George Lake, president of MEDCO, stated in a news release prepared by Vote Yes Linn County, which supports the casino.

Their is a special election on March 5 about whether they support a gambling license for a casino in Linn County. Early voting has already begun.

Two other Linn County economic development groups also endorsed the casino.

Regional Economic Development Institute or RED‐I, which was established by local African American business professionals in the Corridor who saw
a need to provide leadership, stability, sustainability, unity and economic development resources among other African Americans within the Corridor.

The Hiawatha Economic Development Corp. is also supporting the project.

Other economic development groups, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, have previously declared support for the project.

Among the most vocal opponents say a Linn County casino will cannibalize from existing casinos, particularly in Waterloo, Riverside and Tama.