Harness Racing Communications, a division of the USTA

According to a story in the Portland (Maine) Press Herald, the Passamaquoddy Tribe is developing a proposal to build a harness racetrack and up to 1,500 slot machines in Washington County.

The tribe would share the income with two other Maine Indian tribes as well as the usual share for purses and state taxes. Though a particular site has not been selected, the town of Calais is a possibility. The Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association is reported to be working with the tribe on their proposal.

Maine’s governor, John Baldacci, has said that he does not support any expansion of gambling beyond the planned racino in Bangor. Washington County is in a rural area of Maine which has struggled economically and some see the proposal as a welcome development. “We have to do something to change the dynamic,” said Senator Kevin Raye, who represents the area in the state legislature.