A proposal calling for the development of a $225 million racing and gambling facility in Lawrence County was submitted Friday for the Pennsylvania Gaming Handle Board.

Penn National Gaming Inc. announced that it and companion Endeka Entertainment LP submitted the proposal as part of the application for the final state casino license earmarked for any harness racing track.

When the proposed Lawrence Downs Casino and Racing Resort becomes a reality and hires the projected 1,200 full- and part-time personnel, it would turn out to be the biggest employer inside the county, said Dan Vogler, chairman of Lawrence County’s board of commissioners, which has committed $50 million to the project.

“This has been our No. 1 priority as a board of commissioners because of the prospective for considerable economic impact for our county and neighboring counties,” Vogler said.

The Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission approved the transfer final fall of American Harness Racing stock to Philadelphia-based Endeka. American Harness had purchased the project from a bankrupt Indianapolis-based casino company.

In return, Endeka had to verify by Friday that a minimum of $170 million was accessible for building; that application would be created to get a casino license; and that the project – formerly called Valley View Downs – would be built in Lawrence County.

“With 11 wholly owned or joint venture pari-mutuel racing facilities, Penn National owns one of the most racing facilities of any operator in North America,” stated Tim Wilmott, president and chief operating officer of Penn National Gaming. “Lawrence Downs … is often a clear indication of our belief in the industry’s future.”

The resort could be constructed on a 250-acre web site off Route 422 in Mahoning, about 60 miles north of Pittsburgh.

It will function a harness-racing track; about 1,250 slot machines at opening; about 40 live table games and 10 poker tables; and surface parking for two,000 automobiles, as outlined by Penn National.

“Our initial assessment will start subsequent week to see what we have and what nevertheless may well be needed to finish the application,” mentioned Douglas Harbach, a spokesman for the gaming manage board.

The approval course of action – which contains extensive background checks and public hearings – typically takes nine to 12 months to finish, Harbach mentioned.