Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack officials waiting on governor’s decision

WHEELING, W.Va. — During the weekend, lawmakers decided to cut funding distributed to the greyhound racing industry.

Now, many are hoping for a governor's veto, while casino reps are making some big decisions.

Representatives with Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack say they were disappointed in Saturday's decision, but they're still working with state and city leaders.

"It's been a difficult few days knowing that a historical part of our business is being impacted significantly because they're taking the greyhound funding,” said Kim Florence, president and general manager of Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack.

The House of Delegates voted 56-44 on Saturday for passage of a bill eliminating the greyhound breeding development fund.

Eliminating the fund most likely means the end of dog racing, a sport in Wheeling for more than 40 years. It also means cutting about 1,700 jobs and leaving 6,000 to 7,000 animals in need of a home.

"Our priority over the next few months is going to be our racing associates that work here and working with kennel owners,” Florence said. “How we evolve the business moving forward.”

Florence was asked if it also means the casino could move, as rumors circulate it could go to The Highlands without the dogs.

"Our priority is short-term and what it's going to be like moving forward,” Florence said. “And maintaining jobs and our tax revenue that goes to city county and state.”