MGM Springfield receives final state license approval from the Mass. Gaming Commission

Springfield, MA MGM Springfield has received its final state license approval from the Mass. Gaming Commission (MGC). The MGC approved the project’s Section 61 Findings, the final condition in MGM Springfield’s state licensing process, at its public meeting, thus clearing the way to begin construction. The MGC specifically found that all feasible measures have been taken to avoid or minimize impacts of the project and damage to the environment.    

Michael Mathis, MGM Springfield president, said, “We are grateful to the MGC commissioners for their detailed deliberations and patience with this process. This comprehensive review has helped MGM Springfield evolve into the most community-facing and integrated property MGM Resorts has ever built.”

Rendering of MGM Springfield - Springfield, MA

In accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) there must be a meaningful review of projects that involve state action, such as the issuance of a gaming license, to determine environmental impact and to ensure that state agencies impose all feasible means to avoid damage to the environment as conditions of a license. MGM Springfield’s proposed Section 61 Findings were part of its Final Environmental Impact Report filed on Nov. 6, 2014 and a certificate issued by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs on Dec. 31, 2014. Other key agency determinations have been made by the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

Separately, the proposed design changes must still be approved by the city and the MGC. Updated MGM Springfield design plans were made public in September, and company executives appeared at a public presentation in Springfield in November to outline the design plan, highlighting changes that allowed for both design and cost efficiencies, as well as to provide a new project cost estimate of more than $950 million.

Mathis said, “This approval has been a year in the making. We are eager to bring this back to Springfield and work with the city to get final sign off for impactful demolition and construction.” 

The Springfield city council was expected to discuss and vote on a casino overlay district on Monday, Dec. 21. MGM Springfield representatives will be at the meeting.

The new year will be busy for MGM with the commencement of active construction, MGM Springfield construction management representatives hosting ongoing information sessions with interested minority, women and veteran owned businesses, and the opening of the relocated MGM Springfield Community Office.

MGM Springfield is slated for 14.5 acres of land between Union and State Sts., and Columbus Ave. and Main St.