Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Resort announced an expansion plan Thursday night that could bring 2,000 more jobs to the area. CEO of Mountaineer Gaming and Racetrack Ted Arneault says table gaming is crucial to making that plan a reality. Arneault also says Hancock County is dealing with job losses like never before, and big changes need to happen soon to keep the area growing. "We know where we are, unless a miracle occurs, we're going to be limited in the kind of steel production we have, so let's not ignore that any longer, and let's develop a plan to start changing," says Arneault. The ten year plan includes some of the following: a new golf course above Route 2, Hillside Housing, an RV Recreational Park, Route 2 improvements, and improvements to the current racetrack and gaming resort, including a new hotel and casino expansion, just to name a few.

Arneault says table gaming is crucial to the plan. He is hoping state legislators will pass a local option referendum. This leaves it up to local people in the counties to vote on whether or not to put in table games. Some local officials tell News9 they agree. "With our job situation the way it is, the people should have the right to decide for themselves," says West Virginia Senator Ed Bowman." "Make a decision, justify how we vote to the people who send us to office and move forward," says Hancock County Delegate Joe DeLong.

Many residents still seem split on the idea. "If it were to bring more jobs to the area, maybe, but I think there's too much gambling in the city as it is," says Weirton resident Stacy Muhart. "I say go for it," says Weirton resident Bruce Puskarich. "Pennsylvania will do it if we don't. So I think it'll bring more jobs to the area, and it'll be better for the community." One steel leader says with the recent job cuts to Weirton Mittal, anything that could bring in more jobs is well worth a try. "It gives you energy, and it gives you something to shoot for, and it gives those individuals who are affected hope of people being able to stay in the area, and stay with their families," says President of the Independent Steelworkers Union Mark Glyptis.

The plan is a ten year expansion plan, and Arneault says the 2,000 more jobs that would result from the plan is just a starting number, and more could come. He says table gaming would bring in 50 million more dollars in revenue to the state of West Virginia. He adds he's hoping to get a bill passed in the House supporting a local option in late January or early February.

Natalie Pasquarella, News9