SPRINGFIELD - The Springfield Redevelopment Authority hired two consultants this week, including retired Public Works Director Allan Chwalek, to help guide and expedite the construction of the $800 million MGM Springfield casino project.

The hiring of the consultants represents the first step in creating a Casino Liaison Office in Springfield that will coordinate the efforts of various city departments involved in the casino project and will assist MGM in pursuing permitting, licensing and regulatory approvals in accordance with the Host Community Agreement, city officials said. The office will be in the public works building on Tapley Street.

"This is the first step in a process that that will result in a cooperative building of the casino between MGM, the city, and the general contractor," said Kevin Kennedy, the city's chief development officer. "There will be numerous logistical and permitting issues that develop during the process. What we need is a couple of dedicated staff members to assure that an $800 million construction project can be completed in the best way possible."

The public authority serves as the redevelopment arm.

The city's goal is to cover the cost of the consultants through various casino-related funds, rather than city funds, Kennedy said.

The authority board voted unanimously Tuesday to hire Chwalek to provide engineering services that will include" action to help coordinate and expedite local permitting of the casino.

Chwalek's contract is for five months, effective immediately through June 30, at a rate of $125 an hour for a maximum payment of $16,625. The contract with Chwalek can then be renewed.

Chwalek, a lifetime resident of Springfield, retired in May 2014 after a 38-year career with the city.

The authority also voted to hire Longmeadow lawyer James Hannifan to provide legal services in connection with the casino project, also for a five-month period, subject to renewal on July 1. Hannifan was also hired at the rate of $125 an hour, for a maximum payment of $22,916.

Chwalek's services will be overseen by authority Executive Director Chrisopher Moskal, and Hannifan's services will be overseen by City Solicitor Edward M. Pikula.

Construction of the casino is slated to begin in the spring, and should be completed in mid-2017.

"We think it is important to have the best people possible to represent the Springfield Redevelopment Authority and the city on the development of the casino, for oversight," Moskal said. The liaison office is slated to be in operation through the end of construction and the first year of operations, he said.

The city's goal is for the cost of consultants to be covered by funding provided by companies that competed for the casino project in Springfield, and provided by MGM Springfield in the host community agreement, and/or by mitigation funds from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, Kennedy said.

Additional details regarding creation of the casino liaison office will be announced in the future by Mayor Domenic Sarno as there are further steps taken, Kennedy said.

The City Council has also stated concerns about its need for guidance from professional consultants to help in the process, and the city will be acting to fulfill those needs, Kennedy said. The council will consider all zoning and special permit issues.