After the post-pandemic decline in tax revenues in northern Virginia’s s Fairfax County, some lawmakers consider options to recover this key economic driver of the state. Additionally incited by the proliferation of casinos in southern Virginia, State Sen. David Marsden reportedly plans to introduce legislation that would allow for a referendum on building a casino resort in Fairfax County.
Proposing Casino Development:
According to Associated Press, Marsden seems determined to boost the countytax revenues as the last year’s failure of the similar proposal didn’t seem to discourage the lawmaker. This year, Marsden reportedly comes back with a proposal to build a casino in the county additionally equipped with a range of associated amenities such as a convention center, concert hall, hotel, and more.
Proposed Location:
The source reports that the lawmaker designated Tysons Corner in a suburb of the nation’s capital as a preferred location for the proposed casino development. The location is reportedly a center of the shopping activity in the area that features high-end shopping malls and retail facilities. Also, the vicinity of the Maryland border makes it a convenient destination for the visitors from the neighboring state. As Associated Press reports, Marsden considers that all these factors would propel the casino operations.
Development Proposed to Create Jobs and Revenues:
He also proposes any site near one of the Silver Line Metro Stations to be covered by the prospective gaming bill. As reported by Associated Press, the development of a casino and entertainment resort anywhere along the Silver Line would connect the property with the Dulles Airport. It would speed up the customer traffic to bring an increased handle to the operator and the Fairfax County. According to Marsden, such a convenience would generate additional jobs for the community.
Realistic Perception:
Fairfax County, a traditional state’s economic driver, has faced economic decline in the post-pandemic period caused as the demand for office space weakened. Marsden claims that his casino proposal is a realistic perception of the current economic situation and that casino gambling could bring significant revenue potential. He said:“I don’t like the lottery. I don’t like any of it. But we have to be practical, not naive,” adding that the Virginia’s wealthiest region should not be left ”out of the equation,” as Associated Press reports.
Win Opportunity:
The push for a northern Virginia casino is reportedly aimed to convince voters to approve the casino development in Fairfax County. The rejection of recent casino proposal in Richmond and slot parlor in Manassas Park don’t seem to discourage Marsden. As Associated Press reports, he argues that such a rejection has only created an opportunity for Fairfax County to fill the void.