SRU professor spearheads rally to back racetrack

The proposed facility will be built in Lawrence County.

STAFF REPORT

EDINBURG, Pa. — A “Racing Into the Future” rally of local citizens in support of Valley View Downs harness racing track and casino operation will take place at 2 p.m. Friday at Ambrosia Enterprises, 2859 Benjamin Franklin Highway, five miles west of New Castle on U.S. Route 422.

Richard Wukich, professor of art at Slippery Rock University and one of the rally’s organizers, said the purpose of the rally is to educate the general public concerning the number of jobs that will be generated with the building of the facility in Lawrence County.

“People have the misconception that Lawrence County was denied the gaming license, and that’s just not so,” said Wukich.

“We are here to support the efforts of Centaur [the racetrack developer from Indiana] as they move forward in their efforts to obtain the license that we anticipate will be awarded this fall.”

Guest speakers will discuss the benefits a harness racing license brings not only to the county but also throughout western Pennsylvania.

Because it is a one-mile track, the facility, nicknamed a racino, will bring national and international attention to the community, rally organizers said.

Here are some facts about the facility as provided by Lawrence County Tourism Promotion Agency: 2,500 direct jobs; $150 million in taxes to Pennsylvania; $40 million private investment; and bringing global significance to the harness racing industry.

A free Texas pit barbecue will be available at the rally.

Further information on the rally may be obtained by calling Lawrence County Tourism at (724) 654-8408.