Redevelopment of the fairgrounds in one southwestern Ohio county is on hold as state officials figure out the details of distributing $12 million in payments to communities affected by the legalization of racinos.
Lebanon in Warren County, north of Cincinnati, is the first of four communities around Ohio eligible for up to $3 million from a fund set up as part of the 2011 law that allowed racetrack owners to add electronic slot machines.
The Dayton Daily News reports that as many as three other communities could also receive state money if they lose their local racetracks as a result of the trend toward racinos.
To receive the money, the communities will be required to submit plans to the state for creating jobs and stimulating economic development.