YANKTON, S.D. (AP) - Officials in Yankton are proposing a multi-faceted entertainment venue that would emphasize downtown and utilize the river.
Yankton Area Progressive Growth officials presented the Port Yankton proposal to the public on Wednesday, the Daily Press & Dakotan (https://bit.ly/2mFbPyO ) reported.
Port Yankton would encompass expanded gaming while closely echoing the Deadwood development model. According to the proposal, the development would include a casino, music space, river access, convention space, waterparks, restaurants, retail space, a downtown marina and an excursion boat.
The proposal said construction costs would be privately funded and are expected to be between $30 million and $50 million.
“All we’re asking for is an opportunity to compete for tourism and recreational visitors with Omaha, Council Bluffs, Sioux City and other bigger towns in our region,” said Bernie Hunhoff, who leads Yankton Area Progressive Growth’s exploration committee. “We’re proposing Port Yankton as a cornerstone to a cultural and entertainment center in the historic Meridian District.”
While Hunhoff doesn’t usually encourage gambling, he acknowledged that it already has a large presence in the region.
“I’ve never been a big fan of gambling, but I like to think of myself as a realist,” he said, noting that South Dakota currently has 46 casinos, not including video lottery, along with online gambling. “The cow’s out of the barn.”
Many people praised the idea. Hunhoff said he was happy to see the turnout Wednesday.
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Information from: Yankton Press and Dakotan, https://www.yankton.net/
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