Virginia: Petersburg officials call proposed casino revenue sharing plan ‘unjust,’ ‘harmful’

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 3:17 PM
Photo:  The Cordish Companies (courtesy)
  • Ryan Nadeau, WRIC

City officials are calling a proposal that relates to Petersburg’s $1.4 billion casino an “unjust,” “harmful” and “immoral” plan that would deprive a “distressed city” of resources it needs.

On Monday, Jan. 13, the city of Petersburg issued a statement on the recent introduction of House Bill 2232 by Del. Mike Cherry (R-Colonial Heights).

The measure, if passed, would create a “Tri-Cities Improvement Commission,” comprised of representatives from Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Dinwiddie County and Prince George County.

Those appointed representatives — who would serve 2-year terms — would be responsible for disbursing gaming revenues equally across the Tri-Cities. According to the bill’s text, they would prioritize education, transportation and public safety improvements.