HARTFORD, Mich. -- 300 new jobs and a huge economic boost to Hartford. Four Winds Harford Casino will open in about four months.
"It is a good day to be a Pokagon," said Tribal Chairman Matt
Construction came to a halt Tuesday as Wesaw and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians unveiled their brand new casino.
"It is about 50,000 square feet, half of that is gaming. There will be 500 slot machines, nine table games and a Timbers Restaurant," said General Manager Matt Harkness.
Wesaw says the tribe decided to build the new casino in Hartford after doing studies.
"The fact that there is a lot of people here who like this entertainment. This will be a lot closer to them than the drive down to New Buffalo," said Wesaw. "Also, by putting a property here and creating 300 new jobs it makes it a lot easier for our people to gain employment without taking that long trip down to new buffalo."
Right now, the building is little more than a skeleton but construction is expected to be completed by August. When it opens, the casino will create 300 new jobs. While the new casino will only be about about a sixth of the size of the New Buffalo casino, it will have a big impact in Hartford.
Thomas Rhinehart has lived in Hartford for the last 50 years.
"I think it will be great for Hartford," said Rhinehart, "the towns buildings are empty. Maybe it will bring some people in something will happen. It is pretty slow around here."
Wesaw said two percent of slot revenue will be distributed to the community. Not only that but Wesaw said other local businesses benefit from the increased traffic the casino will attract. He says there are already plans to build a new community center and eventually a health clinic.
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