The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has presented a $1.5 million check to the city of Taunton, the first of what could be many payments for infrastructure improvements needed to build a $500 million casino in the city.   

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The payment is for pre-mitigation costs and was required to be paid within 30 days of the tribe winning legislative approval for the compact negotiated between the tribe and Gov. Deval Patrick.    The tribe has agreed to pay the city $33 million in upfront infrastructure payments and as much as $13 million a year to help the city with public safety and other costs associated with hosting a casino.

Those annual payments don't begin until the casino opens.    Mayor Thomas Hoye Jr. says he's `excited about this opportunity for economic development and job creation.''

[Via AP]

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