At a meeting Tuesday, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority approved several measures that will eventually impact Atlantic City's Tourism District, including a second phase of development at Stockton University’s Atlantic City campus and a preliminary determination of project eligibility (PDPE) for the proposed waterpark at Showboat.

Officials with CRDA say Showboat's plans for a waterpark are a part of a larger $100 million family entertainment center that will also involve completely renovating their hotel tower. Following the PDPE approval, a public hearing will be conducted and CRDA's board will then be presented with a request for final project approval.

In a press release, CRDA Board Chairman Robert Mulcahy said, "The CRDA believes the waterpark and family entertainment offerings will attract more local and regional visitors. In addition, 617 new jobs in sales, management, operations, food service, construction, retail and other related positions will be created which will directly benefit the area’s joblessness and the local economy."

Bart Blatstein, owner of Showboat, tells The Press of Atlantic City he expects to break ground on the project, "as soon as we can."

Meanwhile for the other end of the city, CRDA approved a partnership with AC DEVCO and a $3.1 million short-term loan as part of the Stockton University Island Campus Phase II Project, which will create 50 construction and permanent jobs and bring another 400 students to the city. The Press of Atlantic City reports construction there should wrap-up in 2023.

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