PROVIDENCE – The House has approved legislation to clear the way for construction of a hotel at or near the Twin River Casino in Lincoln.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Jeremiah T. O’Grady, D-Lincoln, now goes to the Senate for consideration. A companion Senate bill was introduced by Sen. Maryellen Goodwin, D-Providence.
According to a statement, the legislation passed March 19 by the House will provide that construction of a hotel at or in close proximity to Twin River will remain subject to Lincoln zoning ordinances. The bill is a response to the impending increased competition from gaming facilities in nearby Massachusetts.
Penn National Gaming Inc. said it plans to open the $225 million Plainridge Park Casino on June 24, pending final regulatory approval by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Twin River’s owners have stated their desire to build a four-story hotel with roughly 200 rooms to remain competitive. Under current state law, however, the casino is prohibited from building a hotel, a prohibition intended to help protect the viability of Providence-area hotels.
Cost of building the hotel is estimated at between $30 million and $35 million, with construction taking about a year.
