(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission listened to public comment Wednesday on the proposal for the 275-million dollar Cedar Crossing Casino. The casino would be located along the Cedar River near downtown Cedar Rapids and would feature slot machines, table games, restaurants, and a 15-hundred seat entertainment venue. Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell spoke in favor of the casino.

“Cedar Crossing is one more compelling reason to stay and build our lives and futures here,” she says. O’Donnell told the commission that there’s much excitement in the city and Linn County for proposal. “Let me paint a picture for you of what this project is going to look like. Cedar Crossing is a casino and it’s a comprehensive entertainment destination,” O’Donnell says. “We’re talking about bars, restaurants, an entertainment center and other venues that will enrich our city’s already vibrant arts and entertainment scene.”

Representatives of other cities and counties that already have casinos urged the commission to reject the Cedar Rapids application. The commission will make a decision on awarding a license for the Cedar Rapids casino in February.