SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - A group of Yankton business leaders is proposing an entertainment venue near the Missouri River that would require a change in South Dakota's constitution.
Board Chairman of Yankton Area Progressive Growth says the complex would include a casino and likens the project to an East River Deadwood.
Stephenson says it's about quality of life and attracting more young people to the area. He says the idea is to build an entertainment center in downtown Yankton near the river. He says it would be a destination attraction and accent the Meridian District's historic flavor.
The main draw would be a casino and Stephenson says that would be an economic driver for the region and the state. He says a gaming tax would be attractive to the state given sagging sale tax figures.
He says the group has good indications from the exploration done already that there is interest and some "heavy encouragement to continue the exploration process."
Stephenson says the plan would need to go to a statewide vote, similar to the process for Deadwood gaming. He says next year's legislature would take up the issue and get it on the ballot in November of 2018, a statewide vote for a constitutional amendment.
Stephenson says the group will roll the plan to the public Wednesday morning in downtown Yankton.