At a Friday morning press conference, Jim Traficant announced that Lordstown is his preferred location to build his proposed Indian casino.
"We thought it important to secure the land," said Traficant. "There has been too much speculation. There have people calling me from all over. The siting of the project is over."
The whole compound is just under 72 acres of land, bordered by Salts Spring Road, Lyntz Road and the Ohio Turnpike. It must now be approved by the I.T.A.N.A. group. Traficant has been working with them to bring a casino to the Valley.
"It's located equidistance between both New York and Chicago, and both those highway systems," said Traficant. "It will be easy to get to, and it has a great potential for success."
Traficant also announced that he has received support from an Indian group that has ties to Ohio.
"The commitment of the Munsee Delaware Indian Nation is very significant," said Traficant. "Since they have not relinquished any of their treaty rights and any separate sub-agreements to the state or federal government."
The former Congressman said he is confident he'll be able to secure the more than $100 million it will take to get the casino, hotel, and theme park project started.
But the idea of an Indian casino isn't a new one. The Eastern Shawnee tribe tried and failed in Lordstown several years ago.
"It's up to the property owner, which it seems like he is pretty much in favor of it," said Ron Barnhart, Lordstown planning and zoning administrator. "I think it's a toss-up between the people of the community."
