Mashpee Wampanoags Break Ground On $1 Billion Resort And Casino

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is breaking ground for its $1 billion dollar resort and casino in Taunton.

The site for the First Light Resort and Casino is located off East Stevens Street in Taunton, and hundreds of people gathered there Tuesday to hear tribal history, Native American songs and prayers, and local officials cheer on the project. Taunton Mayor Thomas Hoye was one of them.

"We hear about Springfield. We've seen the barbs and the raspberries in Everett, we hear about Brockton. But guess who's going to be first to market? First Light Resort and Casino will be first to market," said Hoye.

Tribal Chairman Cedric Cromwell says the project is about self-determination for the tribe, and will put Southeastern Massachusetts on the economic development map. The tribe's partners include the Genting Group, a multi-national resort and casino firm.

Cromwell also reminded the public that a job fair will be held in Taunton on May 14th.

After the ceremony, Cromwell climbed into a giant excavator , and began tearing down a building on the site. The facility is expected to open by the middle of next year.