AZTAR TO BREAK GROUND IN CARUTHERSVILLE

CARUTHERSVILLE -- Groundbreaking ceremonies for Aztar Corp.'s riverboat casino complex will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. here

Company officials and state and local dignitaries will participate in the ceremonies at Fourth Street and Franklin.

The $40 million project, known as Casino Aztar Caruthersville, will consist of a 20,000-square-foot pavilion with food and beverage facilities for boarding passengers, parking for 1,000 vehicles, including a 67-space recreational vehicle park, and a 600-passenger riverboat.

The boat will be called "City of Caruthersville," and more than 700 people will be employed.

The 45-acre site is the former Tipton Box Co. factory and adjoining parcels.

The city selected Aztar in July 1993, and two months later the city and company signed a development agreement.

Aztar's application for a gambling license is being considered by the Missouri Gaming Commission.

Pending licensing and other required approvals, the company anticipates operations will begin in late March or early April

Aztar is a publicly traded company that operates TropWorld Casino and Entertainment Resort in Atlantic City, N.J., Tropicana Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, and Ramada Express Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nev.