It was announced by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on Tuesday that the work at the Revel Casino, which had been stopped for over two years due to the lack of funds, would be resumed. The multitudes of construction workers who had been waiting in anticipation greeted this move with applause and gratitude after they had been indefinitely kept out of work. This is a part of a bigger plan that is being pursued by the Governor which is aimed at the control of the casino and tourism district of Atlantic City moving to the state, the duties and powers of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority being diversified to include the Visitors Authority and Atlantic City Convention and attracting investments through the casino regulations being streamlined.
A tax-increment worth $260 million was approved by the state in return for a percentage share in the revenues of the casino for supporting the improvements in the infrastructure at the South Inlet neighbourhood and making headway into the completion of the project. According to the Governor, this move will provide Atlantic City with the resources it requires in order to fulfil its potential.
The creation of the Atlantic City Tourism District, which will be controlled by the state, is also authorized with the move. The various powers being endowed to the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority include the power letting them establish regulations controlling land use, the implementation of a master plan and promoting initiatives for public safety and health along with many other responsibilities. The owners and stakeholders of the Atlantic City casinos were elated at this announcement and praised the Governor at finally recognizing the role of Atlantic City in the overall economic scheme of New Jersey.
