SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield reached another milestone on Monday, paying an $85 million licensing fee to the state that moves forward plans to construct an $800 million casino project in Springfield.
«Today’s payment of the licensing fee is another important milestone for MGM Springfield, said Carole Brennan,» MGM Springfield spokeswoman. «This money will help assure that the economic benefits sought by the gaming law come to fruition. We are delighted to make this strong commitment to the commonwealth, and to move forward with Springfield’s comeback story.»
The payment follows a statewide ballot vote on Nov. 4, that upheld the state’s casino law.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission had approved the casino license in June, but MGM was granted permission to hold off on accepting the license until after the casino ballot vote was decided.
MGM had 15 days to pay the fee.
MGM is planning to launch construction in the spring of 2015, and is in the process of soil testing, closings on properties and permitting, according to the MGM timeline.
