The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe has planned an April groundbreaking for a resort casino south of Boston.

The federally recognized tribe announced Monday it has picked three firms to start demolition and site work for the casino to start April 5.

The tribe and the Malaysia-based Genting Group are developing the $500 million casino at an industrial park in Taunton, about 35 miles from downtown Boston.

In January, the federal government officially designated the tribe's 150 acres in Taunton and another 170 acres in the Cape Cod town of Mashpee as reservation lands.

Tribal Council Chairman Cedric Cromwell says the tribe is moving quickly on the casino to secure its financial future.

State regulators are considering awarding a gambling license to a rival casino project in nearby Brockton later this month. (Associated Press)

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