Last year, the City of Jenkins revealed to EKB News that plans are in place for a casino and resort atop Raven Rock if state law is changed to allow expanded gaming.
And this week, another entity officially threw its support behind that plan.
Jenkins Independent Schools Superintendent Mike Genton told EKB News that the school district is in favor of the passage of House Bill 42. The bill is currently in committee at the Kentucky state legislature. If passed, the language in the state’s lottery law would change to allow casino gambling.
The effort to attract a casino to Jenkins has received not universal, but a large amount of support, and now, Jenkins Independent Schools is on board. Genton said the passage of House Bill 42 would not only give the citizens of Jenkins the right to vote on its own future, but it would also possibly provide relief to the state’s overwhelming pension shortfall.
According to the bill, state retirement systems would be funded by the revenue from expanded gaming through 2029.
House Bill 42 has not moved through the legislature since going to the Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee on January 2nd. Genton hopes the bill will progress, pass and bring about major changes to the economic outlook in Jenkins and Letcher County.
Raven Rock Entertainment LLC is spearheading the Raven Rock Casino and Resort effort.
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