Lawrence commissioners lay groundwork for race track

Lawrence Commissioners lay groundwork for harness racing track

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — One Lawrence County officials is already crafting plans to make sure the construction of a new harness track and casino in the county is seamless.

Commissioner Dan Vogler said he’s started talking to people about creating two committees, one involving county government and the other involving local government and private business.

“We have to effectively and thoroughly prepare for what is coming. And get ready for the influx of people,” Vogler said today.

Last week, the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission awarded the state’s last harness track license to Centaur Inc., an Indiana-based company that will build a new harness track in Mahoning Township, Lawrence County.

The group is almost assured a slots license from the state gaming board and intends to put 3,000 slot machines in the facility. Centaur officials estimate the racetrack/casino could draw 14,000 people a day when completed.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.