Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) After more than a year and a half of construction, opposition from some, and a lot of hype from others, the $1.4 MGM National Harbor casino and resort opens for business tonight at 11.
“MGM National Harbor will have a transformational impact on this region,” said Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. He said the casino will bring a tremendous economic benefit to both the county and state.
Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker called the casino a watershed mark for the county.
“The comments I made when I first took office about we are the economic engine of Maryland, and I dare say the Washington region, this facility says that is true,” Baker said.
He said the economic benefits of the casino were seen long before the facility opened. Around 6,000 temporary construction jobs were created as the casino was built, and around $323 million was spent with local businesses, many of which are owned by minorities.
MGM CEO Jim Murren said at a press conference this afternoon his company kept its promise of hiring a large percentage of its workers from Prince George’s County. In the past, many accused MGM of not hiring locals like they said they would. Of the 4,000 employees at the casino, 2,000 are from Prince George’s County according to Murren.
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