MMCT Venture, the joint effort launched by the tribal operators of Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino, has sent $1 million to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. The money is meant to help offset the state”™s regulatory costs for Tribal Winds Casino, the complex that MMCT Venture plans to build in East Windsor.
The $300 million Tribal Winds project, which received federal approval last month after a long delay, is “shovel-ready” according to the tribes, although work has not yet begun. The tribes estimate the casino will open 18 to 24 months after construction begins.
Tribal Winds is expected to employ 5,000 Connecticut residents, including 2,000 hires for construction and 2,000 workers at the complex, with another 1,000 jobs estimated to result at small businesses and vendors serving the casino.
The $1 million payment is the first step in financing the joint venture.
The payment “ensures that Connecticut taxpayers won’t have to pay for any costs associated with the opening of Tribal Winds Casino,” Mohegan Tribe interim Chairman James Gessner said.
