Recently, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) visited Cedar Rapids to explore the proposed Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Complex and gather public input regarding our gaming application. I had the privilege of joining many other local residents in expressing my support for this initiative. Throughout the public input session, it became evident that the IRGC is objective and genuinely interested in making decisions that benefit the state of Iowa.
As an original member of the local gaming board and an early investor in the casino project, I have been involved since 2012, when a small group of us sought to revitalize our west side and downtown following the devastating flood of 2008. We carefully selected Peninsula Gaming as our casino operator, and they have proven to be an excellent partner, consistently adapting our proposals to enhance amenities and overall appeal during two previous IRGC reviews.
Our current proposal represents a substantial investment of $275 million, projected to generate an additional $80 million in annual gaming revenue for the state. Significantly, this plan commits more than $6 million to local nonprofits, addressing the growing needs of our community.
Since 2013, we have patiently navigated two IRGC reviews and are now facing a third. Meanwhile, casino operators to our south are leading funders in employing deceptive tactics, falsely representing the will of Linn County voters. This includes offering a waterpark in exchange for a “no” vote in the 2012 election, proposing a moratorium on a Cedar Rapids casino until 2029 — which the Legislature ultimately rejected — and now funding Iowans for Common Sense, a group dedicated to limiting any further gaming expansion. It seems they believe Iowa should support a monopoly, all while new casinos are being built near the state’s eastern and western borders, which ultimately diminishes state revenues.
Our request is simple: allow Linn County the opportunity to compete and contribute to Iowa’s growth.
I encourage those inclined to reach out to the IRGC via email at [email protected], by phone at (515) 281-7352, or by mail at 6200 Park Ave., Ste. 100, Des Moines, Iowa 50321, to express their support for this vital step in our community’s development.
Sincerely, Barry Boyer
Linn County Gaming Association
