Philly firm moving on Lawrence County racetrack permits

NEW CASTLE, Pa. (AP) — A Philadelphia firm that's getting a license transferred to build a harness racetrack in Lawrence County has applied for storm water and other permits needed to begin construction.

The moves by Endeka Entertainment signal the firm also plans to apply for a state casino license soon.

Applying for the various permits within 30 days was one of the conditions mandated when the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission last month approved transferring the harness racing license to Endeka from American Harness Tracks.

American Harness failed to get the necessary financing and a casino license to build the casino-racetrack to be known as Valley View Downs in Mahoning Township.

Endeka says the facility will provide 1,500 permanent jobs and attract about 14,000 patrons a day.