LUDLOW, Mass. (AP) – Ludlow has become the first surrounding community to sign a mitigation agreement with MGM Resorts International for its proposed Springfield casino.
The Select Board endorsed the pact Tuesday.
Board member Aaron Saunders says under terms of the agreement MGM will provide Ludlow with an annual payment of $75,000.
Ludlow and MGM will hire a third party to look into the effects the proposed casino would have on town.
MGM is proposing an $800 million casino in the South End of Springfield. The project was endorsed by Springfield voters in July.
It is the lobe western Massachusetts casino proposal remaining.
Several towns around Springfield have passed non-binding referendums against a Springfield.
The state gambling commission will take the opinions of surrounding towns into account when deciding where a casino would go.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
