DNR & MEDCO Set Location & Green Design Conditions for Prospective Rocky Gap Video Lottery Terminal Operators

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Cumberland, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) recently identified a location and set special development conditions for prospective video lottery terminal operators on state-owned property near Rocky Gap State Park.

“By locating near the existing lodge and requiring environmentally-friendly features such as LEED Gold Certification and green energy and site design, the video lottery facility will compliment the existing resort,” said DNR Deputy Secretary Eric Schwaab. “With these special conditions, the new facility’s impact on the lake and outdoor recreation at Rocky Gap State Park will be minimized.”

The new facility is expected to be located on part of the parcel currently leased by MEDCO for operation of Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort. The successful bidder interested in operating video lottery terminals must construct an LEED Gold Certified green building that is nearby, but physically separate from the Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort. In order to protect the lake and natural park environment, the building will be set back at least 200 feet from the shoreline and subject to specific architectural and landscaping conditions. Additionally, if removal of any trees is necessary for the facility’s construction, the lessee must replant lost forestland with American Chestnut trees to meet a “no net loss” standard.

Click here for a detailed listing of special conditions and map outlining the allowed location.

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January 6, 2009

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov.