City of Black Hawk Doubles Down on Economic Relief for Casinos
A total of $1.4 million in casino fees waived in response to COVID-19 closure
The City of Black Hawk is doing its part to help its largest economic partners by waiving another $700,000 in casino device fees for the month of April. This follows the city waiving $700,000 in device fees for the month of March. This is a continued effort to ease a portion of the economic losses of its 15 casinos ordered to close in March by the State of Colorado due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to waiving casino device fees, the City of Black Hawk is also allowing casinos to defer their water payments to a later date. This is a continuing effort by the city to recognize the importance of the gaming industry to the local economy.
During the entirety of the COVID-19 pandemic, Black Hawk has drawn on past experiences like its response to the 2009 H1N1 swine flu outbreak. The City took extraordinary measures to combat the spread of swine flu, preparing them for future outbreaks like COVID-19. In addition to promoting practical prevention like frequently washing hands with warm water and soap, the City has also implemented the following procedures to help prevent the potential spread of the virus:
- The public will have limited access to city building foyers, but will not have direct contact with city employees.
- City employees will continue to use social distancing while working in their de-centralized department buildings. Most buildings have fewer than 10 people.
- All first responders are equipped with protective masks.
- All employees have access to hand sanitizer, latex gloves, and disinfecting wipes.
- City Council meetings will take place on video conferencing for the foreseeable future. The public can log onto CityOfBlackHawk.org and navigate to the City Council portion of the site to watch.
- The shuttle between Black Hawk and Central City is closed until further notice.
Although these are difficult times, the City of Black Hawk-- Colorado’s premier gaming resort destination-- will emerge stronger than ever. The Gregory Street Plaza restoration and trail construction on Maryland Mountain projects both remain on track. The City remains committed to preserving its past and taking action in the present to bolster its future.
Jordan Sherman
