TUNICA COUNTY, Miss —
Local leaders in Tunica County are sounding off against a proposal that could house unaccompanied migrant children at the former Harrah’s casino site.
According to those familiar with the proposal, the repurposed site could house as many as 2,000 migrant children and teens at the hotels that were part of the complex, which closed in 2014.
“Tunica can help, just not at that location. That location is prime for development,” said Mississippi State Rep. Cedric Burnett, whose district includes the property.
He believes the project would not bring enough revenue to Tunica County to be worth disrupting the gaming industry.
“There would only be two people that would make money: the guy selling the property and the group proposing this project. They'll receive hundreds of millions of dollars; Tunica won’t see a dime,” Burnett said.
The Tunica County Sheriff’s Office has also come out strongly against the proposal. Sheriff K.C. Hamp said the county simply does not have the resources to support the plan.
“Everyone needs a safe haven, but there has to be strategic planning. And in this case, when its concerning public safety, Tunica County does not have the resources to accommodate something of this magnitude without planning,” Hamp said.
The Tunica County Board of Supervisors have not come out one way or the other on the proposal, and a vote is expected as soon as next week.
“Tunica County would not see a dime. Tunica County would only get the stress from ambulance service, police protection, for that added population,” Burnett said.
According to Burnett, the company behind the project is known as H&S. We have reached out to them for comment and are waiting to hear back.