For Immediate Release
April 17, 2008
Contact: Joe Sterns
717-787-5708
(Cell) 717-497-0806
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Folmer Fights to Protect East Hanover Township
 from Unfair Gaming Control Board Action

HARRISBURG—Senator Mike Folmer (R-48) today submitted in writing his stern opposition to a regulation sought by the PA Gaming Control Board (PGCB) which would cost East Hanover Township hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.  

Under Pennsylvania's current Gaming Law, a Local Share fee is to be paid by gaming facilities to the municipalities in which they are located. This stands to net the township $300,000 to $350,000 in revenue from the Hollywood Casino, which straddles land in both Lebanon and Dauphin counties.  

The PGCB, however, is seeking to use the regulatory process to change the definition of a "licensed facility" in a way that would result in all Local Share money being awarded to only the neighboring municipality in Dauphin County (also known as East Hanover Township) [see attachment].       

In a letter to Richard Sandusky, the PGCB's director of regulatory review, Folmer wrote: "This [proposed regulation] is profoundly unfair considering the original intent of the Gaming Law was to compensate municipalities for costs incurred as a result of the gaming facilities being located within their jurisdiction."  

Folmer noted in his letter that traffic and traffic-related challenges (such as accidents and congestion) have increased significantly in the township as a result of Hollywood Casino. He also mentioned that the casino is forecasted to trigger a 33 percent explosion in the township's population, creating higher costs for local public services. Also, Ono Fire Company is designated as "first due" for emergencies at the casino.  

Folmer closed his letter by stating, "I strongly oppose the regulation because it strips away the means by which East Hanover Township would be fairly compensated for costs incurred from meeting the challenges associated with operations of Hollywood Casino."