Officials hope to reopen boat closed because of water

Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005 | 9:19 a.m.

METROPOLIS, Ill. -- Company officials hoped to get the go-ahead today to reopen Harrah's Metropolis Casino, which was closed because of shallow water on the Ohio River.

The riverboat casino was closed late Sunday after low water levels created unsafe walking conditions between the gaming boat and a barge grounded on the bank of the Ohio River.

By midnight on Monday, however, the river had risen two feet which brought the two vessels back in sync, said Harrah spokeswoman Robyn Ryan. Workers have also enlarged the main casino entrance and made improvements to three ramps.

Ryan told The Paducah Sun in Kentucky that the casino has already been inspected as required by the Illinois State Fire Marshal's office.

"We're simply waiting for their approval and Illinois Gaming Board approval," Ryan said.

In addition to putting about 100 people temporarily out of work, the closure has cost the casino about $500,000 in gambling revenues. The city of Metropolis also lost between $25,000 and $30,000 in tax revenue each day the casino was closed.

It was the first time the riverboat has been closed because of shallow water since its opening in 1993.

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