7:10 a.m. EDT, July 28, 2010
A new casino and hundreds of jobs appear to be on the way.

The Hartford Township supervisor says the proposed site is on Red Arrow Highway, just west of Hartford. That's north of I-94 in Van Buren County, not far from the Berrien County line.

The official announcement came Tuesday afternoon. The gaming authority of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians voted to move forward on expanding their gaming operations.

According to a press release from the tribe, “This vote represents the first step in an extensive process. The proposed project is a satellite gaming facility in Hartford Township, Mich.”

The sleepy streets of downtown Hartford were buzzing with news that a new casino could be in the cards.

"I think jobs,” said Sherri Miller. “I think economy. As you can see, we have nothing. Whatever we can get in."

Holly Garland owns Arrowhead Bar and Grill. A casino in town would be a big win for her business.

"The more people we've got driving through town, the more business,” she said. “In this economy, we'll take what we can get."

And city leaders say the area could see benefits. And not only from the potential 200 to 300 jobs the casino is expected to bring, also...

"They've been talking about revenue sharing,” said Yemi Akinwale, Harford city manager. “I don't know the formula for that yet. But, looking at what is happening in New Buffalo, I think it will be a benefit for us down the line."

The process will be long. The gaming authority will need to come up with an agreement with the local government on the details of the project. But if the excitement in Hartford is any indication, that shouldn't be a problem.

“It's a charming town, and it will stay that way,” Akinwale said. “But we want others to be a part of it.”