Developer says Pittsburgh casino on schedule for 2009 opening

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The developer of the Pittsburgh slots casino says the project remains on schedule to open next May even though his company has missed a self-imposed deadline to secure $780 million in financing.

Don Barden tells the state Gaming Control Board that he’s “not worried” about the financing.

Earlier this year, officials with the Majestic Star casino told the board the project would go into default if they didn’t secure financing by May 19. Barden isn’t saying why that deadline passed without a problem and says he’s still working with lenders, including Credit Suisse.

Barden’s company began construction with a $200 million bridge loan last year. About two-thirds of the building’s steel structure is already erected on the city’s North Shore.