Tribe Says Its Taunton Casino Will Open In 2017

The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe says it hopes to fast-track construction on its planned casino in Taunton, with the goal of opening next year.

Tribe members and developers unveiled architectural drawings at a press conference at Taunton's city offices Monday.

Tribe Chairman Cedric Cromwell said the groundbreaking is scheduled for April, with a partial opening planned for 2017 for the newly named First Light Resort & Casino.

Taunton Mayor Tom Hoye said Monday the project will benefit his city.

"It's a job creator, which we desperately need," Hoye said. "It's going to provide badly needed infrastructure improvements. I think this is a win-win for the community."

Masphee Wampanoag leaders will present their plan to the state's Gaming Commission Tuesday.

The commission is also considering whether to allow a second casino in the southeastern Massachusetts region, in Brockton.

With reporting by WBUR's Curt Nickisch