Presque Isle Downs -- Update 2

The Presque Isle Downs project in Erie, Pennsylvania is nearing a turning point with the completion of the mass earthwork, and will now focus on finishing and detail work, increasing the coordination with building contracts and other trades to give the Mountaineer Gaming Group (MTR) the functioning facility open to the public. Yet this year, the true success of this project continues to be the "team" atmosphere with the Independence contract team, the owners and their representatives.

The mass earthwork completion marks the movement of approximately 1.6 million cubic yards through the lake-effect winter months and into the spring to mark the completion in early September. This completion mark includes all of the parking and embankment, building pads, and race track sub-grade (to be completed and operational in 2007). The successful teaming of the Independence crews and Jeff Zell Consultants, as well as RL Johnson and Howard Concrete on the Con-Span pre-cast culvert installation, and both the temporary and permanent bridge installations were key in managing the earth moving over the waterways of the site. Century Steel and Cuyahoga Road and Bridge were also integral parts of the teams for the bridge work. Furthermore, and especially with the weather considerations and tight milestones for building pads, the use of drying agents in the efficient and successful placement of our embankments was accomplished with the support and assistance from Mintek Resources, Carmuse Lime, Fairport Trucking and Cutting Edge Reclamation.

With the focus shift now on final completion, our concentration becomes site work that will generally consist of utility and paving facilities. Thanks to the integral involvement of Richmond Valve and Pipe, Baughman Tile, Mack Industries, Fisher Trucking, Erie Sand and Gravel, and Showman Quarries, the utility network is being installed across the site in close coordination of the other building contracts, including Keystone-Doan-Pyramid installing site electrical. Erie Contractor Joseph McCormick is adding the final professional touches installing 50 acres of asphalt over the site. Also slated this fall, Ballast Fence, Penn Line and Richfield Landscaping will be working to put the finishing touches on the site.

The DiGeronimo Companies' resources, as well as integrity and hard work, have been key aspects in driving the successful site work in support of the owner's project. Companies including Precision ProCut, Indy Equipment and Independence Recycling, as well the safety department, heavy equipment shop, survey/GPS, IT, and accounting departments all have had a contributing hand in bringing this project to the level it is at. Finally, this project could not have been completed without the day-to-day individual efforts of Vito, Nick, Rob, Mike and Rick DiGeronimo; Terry Tomasko, John Saraney, Ed Lynch, Justin Fox, Dave Bevan, Chuck Begue, Tim DeMarco, Frank Kordinak, Matt Gilbert, Steve Self, and Leroy Knight.