MIAMI, FL (AP) -- Slot machines may be headed to Miami International Airport.
Miami-Dade commissioners voted 8-3 Tuesday to allow the county manager to immediately seek a permit that would give the county the ability to apply for a license for slot machines from state officials.
Some county and airport officials believe the machines could help solve the airport's financial woes. Owners and managers at pari-mutuels say it would take revenue away from their facilities.
The county's proposal calls for slot machines beyond security checkpoints at the airport. Under the permit, the county would also have to agree to run quarter-horse races off site.
County Manager George Burgess says the airport's annual operating cost, including debt service, has reached $600 million. He says it will skyrocket to $1.1 billion by 2015 because of debt associated with airport construction and rising operating costs.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APTV 07-01-09 0540EDT
