lmetz@observer-reporter.com

Statewide discontent with the allocation of slots revenue has led to the scheduling of three public meetings by four local legislators.

State Reps. Jesse White, D-Cecil, Tim Solobay, D-Canonsburg, and Bill DeWeese, D-Waynesburg, and Sen. J. Barry Stout, D-Bentleyville, announced Wednesday that the meeting dates to discuss possible improvements to the local share distributions of slots revenues from The Meadows Racetrack & Casino.

The meetings will be held March 26 at the Chartiers Township municipal building; April 10 at the Somerset Township municipal building; and April 18 at East Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Department. All of the meetings will begin at 7 p.m.

Last week, South Strabane Township announced it would be joining in a lawsuit on Washington County's use of slots revenue. Leading the effort are Centerville and East Bethlehem. Although they applied for it, the three municipalities received no recommendation for slots money from Washington County Economic Development Roundtable or the Washington County commissioners, who are forwarding 26 proposals totaling just over $8 million to the state Department of Community and Economic and Development.

Another lawsuit over slots revenue is pending in Erie County Court, spearheaded by the host community, Summit Township, and four contiguous communities.

White, who is the legislative appointee to Washington County Economic Roundtable which oversees slots revenues requests, said although Washington County is extremely fortunate to receive the local share revenue, ways are being examined to improve the distribution process.

"After spending months involved in the review process, I understand that we need to address some of these big concerns," White said. "There should be an open and ongoing effort to maximize the use of our money while at the same time making sure all of the voices are heard."

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