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Pressure Washing in Cedar Crossing, GA
Have you ever walked by your neighbor's house or one of your favorite businesses and noticed that their walkways and other surfaces were covered in grime? It's not a good look. And that's unfortunate because first impressions matter more than ever these days. On the one hand, many residential neighborhoods have strict HOA requirements that homeowners must follow to keep their homes and exterior surfaces clean and tidy. On the other end of the spectrum, business owners who rely on an attractive storefront and word-of-mouth referrals often lose money because their place of business looks and feels dirty and grimy.
Despite its charming atmosphere and mild climate, it's not uncommon to find soiled walkways, parking lots, windows, and more in Charleston. Part of that has to do with the humid weather in the Holy City, which can expedite mold and algae growth in no time.
The other part has to do with time and patience - two forms of currency that many homeowners and business owners simply don't have. In today's world, dedicating a few hours to pressure wash your home's driveway or your company's front sidewalk is a lot to ask. The simple truth is that we're all busy and often need help from a professional, reliable company for pressure washing services.
That's where Prince of Pressure Washing swoops in to provide a regal-level clean when you need it most.
- Pressure Washing
- Charleston's Most Trusted Choice for Pressure Washing in Cedar Crossing
- What Makes Prince of Pressure
- Residential Pressure Washing in Cedar Crossing, GA
- Is Residential Pressure Washing Really Worth It?
- Commercial Pressure Washing in Cedar Crossing
- 3 Signs That It's Time for Commercial Pressure Washing in Cedar Crossing
- Our Royal Team is Ready to Clean
What Makes Prince of Pressure Washing Different from Other Pressure Washing Companies?
We specialize in providing pressure washing and soft washing services that cater to the unique needs of both residential and commercial properties. Our expertise extends to historic homes as well as modern buildings, and our precision and care ensures thorough and long-lasting cleanliness.
We take pride in paying attention to every detail, from cleaning windows and gutters to driveways, decks, and outdoor furniture. We believe that having a clean exterior can transform the look and longevity of your property. To better serve our client base, we offer a wide range of both commercial and residential services, including.
- Pressure Washing
- Soft Washing
- House Washing
- Roof Washing
- Driveway and Concrete Washing
- Deck Washing
- Fence Washing
- Gutter Cleaning and Brightening
- Trash Can Washing
- Monument and Statue Washing
- Graffiti Removal
- Solar Panel Cleaning
- More
One look at the list above, and it's safe to say that if you have a tough pressure washing job, our experts are up to the challenge. Join us on this journey toward a cleaner, more beautiful Charleston, where the artistry of exterior washing meets the charm of the Lowcountry, redefining cleanliness and curb appeal for all.
Now that you know a little bit more about our history and mission, let's dig into a few of the most popular Residential and Commercial pressure washing services we provide in the Lowcountry.
Residential Pressure Washing in Cedar Crossing, GA
Living in the Lowcountry can be a delight, but it can also be challenging for homeowners. The constant exposure to the elements can cause mildew, dirt, and pollen to accumulate on the exterior surfaces of your home. If left unaddressed, these contaminants can cause damage to your home's brick, stucco, and vinyl surfaces, leading to costly repairs. At Prince of Pressure Washing, we specialize in cleaning these surfaces with a specially formulated solution and proven techniques.
Our services are safe, effective, and designed to protect your home from harm. That way, you can protect your investment with high-quality pressure washing without having to worry about stripped paint and other types of damage. Some of the most requested residential pressure washing services we provide include the following:
Having your home cleaned by a professional pressure washing company can be highly advantageous. It can remove daily contaminants and enhance the aesthetics of your property, boosting its curb appeal. Additionally, pressure washing can help reduce allergy triggers, minimize asthmatic attacks, and relieve respiratory fatigue. It is an excellent way to transform grungy, dull, and filthy surfaces into bright, vibrant, and fresh-looking ones.
At Prince of Pressure Washing, we understand that high-pressure washing is not suitable for most exterior surfaces around your home in Charleston. That's why we provide custom-tailored exterior cleaning solutions to meet your specific needs. Our expert soft washing services are designed to remove even the toughest contaminants from the most delicate surfaces while keeping them safe.
For our soft washing services, we use concentrated cleaning products to loosen the grip of aggressive organic growth that can shorten the life of your surfaces. Once the invasive organisms, dirt, grime, and environmental pollutants are loosened, we gently rinse them away from your vinyl siding, natural wood, roofing shingles, and more! Regular soft washing services not only help keep your home clean but also give you more free time to spend with your friends and loved ones.
When people visit your home, driveways are often the first thing they see. As first impressions matter, having a clean driveway is important. A dirty and stained driveway can make your property look old and uninviting. On the other hand, a clean driveway can enhance the appearance of your property and increase its curb appeal. At Prince of Pressure Washing, we understand that each customer has unique preferences and needs when it comes to driveway pressure washing in Cedar Crossing. That's why we provide a variety of pressure washing and services to cater to their unique needs. Oil stains? Brake dust buildup? Tree sap? We can handle it all.
Would you want to go to a backyard BBQ if you knew that your friend's deck was dirty and disheveled? We wouldn't either. If you want to ensure that your deck stays beautiful and strong for cookout season, it is important to keep it clean. At Prince of Pressure Washing, we offer reliable and professional deck cleaning services that can help maintain your outdoor space's aesthetics. Our team of skilled professionals uses pressure washing techniques to effectively remove dirt, mold, and mildew from your deck, which can prevent future damage and keep your deck looking fresh and new.
Ensuring that your property has a clean fence is crucial not only for its visual appeal but also for safety and security purposes. To maintain its longevity and aesthetic value, you should have your fence pressure washed at least once a year. This simple yet effective method can remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other harmful substances that can damage your fence. In doing so, you can prolong the life of your fence and keep it looking new at the same time.
Clean gutters are crucial for maintaining a home's roofing system. They help protect your home from water damage, prevent pests from entering, and provide better insulation. Neglected gutters may lead to clogging and severe problems, including rot. Prince of Pressure Washing's experienced technicians use the latest pressure washing technology to clean your gutters quickly and efficiently, keeping them in top-notch condition and preventing costly repairs. If you notice rainwater pooling in your yard or it sounds like water is dripping within your gutters, it could be time to have them cleaned and brightened.
When homeowners think about pressure washing in Cedar Crossing, they don't always think about having their trash cans clean. The truth is, though, that having a dirty trash can near your home isn't just an eyesore - it's a health hazard for your family. That's why we take extra care to make sure that your trash cans are safely sanitized. Don't let dirty cans put your family's health at risk. Contact us today to get your Charleston trash cans cleaned with our top-quality pressure washing services.
If you want to make the most of the energy produced by your solar panels, it's important to keep them clean. Regular solar panel washing services in Charleston can help remove dirt, dust, and other impurities that can collect on your solar panels and reduce their efficiency. What's the point of having an expensive solar panel setup if their power is zapped by grime and dirt buildup? If you're looking to optimize performance and reduce maintenance costs, it's time to call our pressure washing company.
Having your home cleaned by a professional pressure washing company can be highly advantageous. It can remove daily contaminants and enhance the aesthetics of your property, boosting its curb appeal. Additionally, pressure washing can help reduce allergy triggers, minimize asthmatic attacks, and relieve respiratory fatigue. It is an excellent way to transform grungy, dull, and filthy surfaces into bright, vibrant, and fresh-looking ones.
At Prince of Pressure Washing, we understand that high-pressure washing is not suitable for most exterior surfaces around your home in Charleston. That's why we provide custom-tailored exterior cleaning solutions to meet your specific needs. Our expert soft washing services are designed to remove even the toughest contaminants from the most delicate surfaces while keeping them safe.
For our soft washing services, we use concentrated cleaning products to loosen the grip of aggressive organic growth that can shorten the life of your surfaces. Once the invasive organisms, dirt, grime, and environmental pollutants are loosened, we gently rinse them away from your vinyl siding, natural wood, roofing shingles, and more! Regular soft washing services not only help keep your home clean but also give you more free time to spend with your friends and loved ones.
When people visit your home, driveways are often the first thing they see. As first impressions matter, having a clean driveway is important. A dirty and stained driveway can make your property look old and uninviting. On the other hand, a clean driveway can enhance the appearance of your property and increase its curb appeal. At Prince of Pressure Washing, we understand that each customer has unique preferences and needs when it comes to driveway pressure washing in Cedar Crossing. That's why we provide a variety of pressure washing and services to cater to their unique needs. Oil stains? Brake dust buildup? Tree sap? We can handle it all.
Would you want to go to a backyard BBQ if you knew that your friend's deck was dirty and disheveled? We wouldn't either. If you want to ensure that your deck stays beautiful and strong for cookout season, it is important to keep it clean. At Prince of Pressure Washing, we offer reliable and professional deck cleaning services that can help maintain your outdoor space's aesthetics. Our team of skilled professionals uses pressure washing techniques to effectively remove dirt, mold, and mildew from your deck, which can prevent future damage and keep your deck looking fresh and new.
Ensuring that your property has a clean fence is crucial not only for its visual appeal but also for safety and security purposes. To maintain its longevity and aesthetic value, you should have your fence pressure washed at least once a year. This simple yet effective method can remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other harmful substances that can damage your fence. In doing so, you can prolong the life of your fence and keep it looking new at the same time.
Clean gutters are crucial for maintaining a home's roofing system. They help protect your home from water damage, prevent pests from entering, and provide better insulation. Neglected gutters may lead to clogging and severe problems, including rot. Prince of Pressure Washing's experienced technicians use the latest pressure washing technology to clean your gutters quickly and efficiently, keeping them in top-notch condition and preventing costly repairs. If you notice rainwater pooling in your yard or it sounds like water is dripping within your gutters, it could be time to have them cleaned and brightened.
When homeowners think about pressure washing in Cedar Crossing, they don't always think about having their trash cans clean. The truth is, though, that having a dirty trash can near your home isn't just an eyesore - it's a health hazard for your family. That's why we take extra care to make sure that your trash cans are safely sanitized. Don't let dirty cans put your family's health at risk. Contact us today to get your Charleston trash cans cleaned with our top-quality pressure washing services.
If you want to make the most of the energy produced by your solar panels, it's important to keep them clean. Regular solar panel washing services in Charleston can help remove dirt, dust, and other impurities that can collect on your solar panels and reduce their efficiency. What's the point of having an expensive solar panel setup if their power is zapped by grime and dirt buildup? If you're looking to optimize performance and reduce maintenance costs, it's time to call our pressure washing company.
Keep Your Family Healthy
If you have been penalized for failing to file or pay your taxes on time, you might be eligible for penalty abatement or penalty adjustment. Penalty abatement involves getting rid of the assessed tax liability, while penalty adjustment means altering or reducing it. In certain situations, you may also be able to receive refunds for previous penalties and interest charges.
Prime Your Painting Surfaces
Pressure washing is an effective way to prep exterior surfaces before resurfacing, refinishing, or repainting. This removes all grime and dirt from the surface, creating a smooth and clean area free of grit. By pressure washing first, you can ensure that outdoor surfaces hold their new finish quickly.
Prevent Future Damage
Moisture buildup in summer and winter can cause serious damage to your home's surfaces. Mold and grime can lead to permanent damage if left unattended, especially in hard-to-reach areas. A professional pressure washer in Charleston can remove these contaminants and prevent potential damage from occurring in the future.
Commercial Pressure Washing in Cedar Crossing
Have you ever gone out to lunch on your break and, upon coming back to work, noticed a big mustard or food stain on your shirt or blouse? Having a stain on your shirt isn't the end of the world, but when image counts, like in a meeting with a client, the littlest mistakes can have big impacts.
If you own a business, you know that exterior features like parking lots, sidewalks, and statues need to be clean and well-kempt for customers. But if you're like other business owners in Charleston, setting aside time and money to buy a pressure washing machine and handle the job yourself doesn't make sense. Why close up shop and take half a day to power wash your business when you can hire an expert who can do the job better and more efficiently?
Prince of Pressure Washing can handle the hard work for you so you can focus on serving your customers and supporting your family. We offer a range of commercial pressure washing services in Charleston, including.
Monument and Statue Washing
Seeing a beautiful statue or monument suffering from algae, mold, and dirt buildup is a sad sight to see. That's especially true when one of these items is proudly displayed for business purposes. At Prince of Pressure Washing, our skilled technicians have years of experience pressure washing and beautifying historic landmarks, artistic sculptures, and commemorative memorials with grace. We're proud to be your partner in safeguarding the heritage and visual appeal of your commercial space, by cleaning the symbols that embody your establishment's history.
Graffiti Removal
There's no question about it - unwanted graffiti can have a negative impact on the appearance of your business. At Prince of Pressure Washing, we take great satisfaction in removing all traces of offensive graffiti from your property, just as a firefighter would feel after putting out a house fire.
We treat graffiti removal as a high-priority item for our clients, and our response time is always consistent. We understand that pervasive and offensive graffiti is a blemish on the beauty of our community. When you call us for graffiti removal from your commercial exteriors, we will ensure that the job is done quickly and efficiently.
Driveway Cleaning
Savvy business owners know that having regular maintenance services performed - like pressure washing in Cedar Crossing - just makes good business sense. And when it comes to good business decisions, having your building washed is near the top of the list. We recognize the importance of your business property as a significant investment. That's why we provide dependable, cost-effective, and thorough building washing services that add value to your commercial property. Our team of pressure washing techs will show up on time, follow instructions to a T, and thoroughly clean the exterior surfaces of your office buildings, outbuildings, warehouses, and other commercial structures.
Commercial Building Washing
Savvy business owners know that having regular maintenance services performed - like pressure washing in Cedar Crossing - just makes good business sense. And when it comes to good business decisions, having your building washed is near the top of the list. We recognize the importance of your business property as a significant investment. That's why we provide dependable, cost-effective, and thorough building washing services that add value to your commercial property. Our team of pressure washing techs will show up on time, follow instructions to a T, and thoroughly clean the exterior surfaces of your office buildings, outbuildings, warehouses, and other commercial structures.
Oil Stain Removal
Prince of Pressure Washing employs hot water pressure washing methods to remove oil stains and grease from the walkways and parking lots of your business. Water at temperatures above 180 degrees is known to effectively lift oil residue from surfaces, while the high heat also enhances the ability of cleaning formulas to dissolve and emulsify grease and oil, making it easier to flush from the surface. As most paved surfaces are highly porous, our experts use cutting-edge equipment and powerful detergents to extract any deeply ingrained grease and oil stains.
Parking Lot Striping
We offer a comprehensive approach to parking lot management, which includes creating new parking spaces, refreshing faded lines, and adding directional arrows. Our thorough approach ensures that your parking area is well-organized, safe, and visually appealing. Charleston businesses and property owners choose Prince of Pressure Washing because of our commitment to quality and our dedication to enhancing the overall functionality and aesthetics of their parking facilities. Call today to see what we can do for you!
Dumpster Pad Cleaning
There are numerous benefits to cleaning your dumpster pad. It not only enhances your property's appearance but also helps prevent pests, mold, and other unhealthy items. Pressure washing cleans your dumpster pad and helps ensure it stays clean - which protects you and your employees. Dumpster pad cleaning also helps reduce bad odors and keeps your property looking fresh and inviting.
Commercial Concrete Cleaning
Commercial property owners should prioritize business concrete pressure washing as an essential part of maintenance. This type of pressure washing involves using high-pressure water to eliminate dirt, grime, oil stains, mildew, and other contaminants from concrete surfaces like parking lots, sidewalks, and storefronts. With help from Prince of Pressure Washing, you can improve the appearance of your business. Perhaps more importantly, you'll help prevent slip hazards and long-term damage that can lead to costly repairs.
Seeing a beautiful statue or monument suffering from algae, mold, and dirt buildup is a sad sight to see. That's especially true when one of these items is proudly displayed for business purposes. At Prince of Pressure Washing, our skilled technicians have years of experience pressure washing and beautifying historic landmarks, artistic sculptures, and commemorative memorials with grace. We're proud to be your partner in safeguarding the heritage and visual appeal of your commercial space, by cleaning the symbols that embody your establishment's history.
We treat graffiti removal as a high-priority item for our clients, and our response time is always consistent. We understand that pervasive and offensive graffiti is a blemish on the beauty of our community. When you call us for graffiti removal from your commercial exteriors, we will ensure that the job is done quickly and efficiently.
Savvy business owners know that having regular maintenance services performed - like pressure washing in Cedar Crossing - just makes good business sense. And when it comes to good business decisions, having your building washed is near the top of the list. We recognize the importance of your business property as a significant investment. That's why we provide dependable, cost-effective, and thorough building washing services that add value to your commercial property. Our team of pressure washing techs will show up on time, follow instructions to a T, and thoroughly clean the exterior surfaces of your office buildings, outbuildings, warehouses, and other commercial structures.
Savvy business owners know that having regular maintenance services performed - like pressure washing in Cedar Crossing - just makes good business sense. And when it comes to good business decisions, having your building washed is near the top of the list. We recognize the importance of your business property as a significant investment. That's why we provide dependable, cost-effective, and thorough building washing services that add value to your commercial property. Our team of pressure washing techs will show up on time, follow instructions to a T, and thoroughly clean the exterior surfaces of your office buildings, outbuildings, warehouses, and other commercial structures.
Prince of Pressure Washing employs hot water pressure washing methods to remove oil stains and grease from the walkways and parking lots of your business. Water at temperatures above 180 degrees is known to effectively lift oil residue from surfaces, while the high heat also enhances the ability of cleaning formulas to dissolve and emulsify grease and oil, making it easier to flush from the surface. As most paved surfaces are highly porous, our experts use cutting-edge equipment and powerful detergents to extract any deeply ingrained grease and oil stains.
We offer a comprehensive approach to parking lot management, which includes creating new parking spaces, refreshing faded lines, and adding directional arrows. Our thorough approach ensures that your parking area is well-organized, safe, and visually appealing. Charleston businesses and property owners choose Prince of Pressure Washing because of our commitment to quality and our dedication to enhancing the overall functionality and aesthetics of their parking facilities. Call today to see what we can do for you!
There are numerous benefits to cleaning your dumpster pad. It not only enhances your property's appearance but also helps prevent pests, mold, and other unhealthy items. Pressure washing cleans your dumpster pad and helps ensure it stays clean - which protects you and your employees. Dumpster pad cleaning also helps reduce bad odors and keeps your property looking fresh and inviting.
Commercial property owners should prioritize business concrete pressure washing as an essential part of maintenance. This type of pressure washing involves using high-pressure water to eliminate dirt, grime, oil stains, mildew, and other contaminants from concrete surfaces like parking lots, sidewalks, and storefronts. With help from Prince of Pressure Washing, you can improve the appearance of your business. Perhaps more importantly, you'll help prevent slip hazards and long-term damage that can lead to costly repairs.
3 Signs That It's Time for Commercial Pressure Washing in Cedar Crossing
As a business owner, you probably know that pressure washing services are a wise investment. But if you're like other entrepreneurs who are stretched for time, how do you know when it's best to call Prince of Pressure Washing? Keep these common signs in mind.
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Our Royal Team is Ready to Clean
Prince of Pressure Washing is a licensed and insured company in South Carolina that aims to provide high-quality power washing services at cost-effective prices. We evaluate every project with a fresh eye to leave your property looking its best, whether you need a one-time cleaning for your home's driveway or recurring services to keep your business looking great. Ready to get started? We're ready to give you a free estimate. Contact our office today to learn how our pressure-washing pros can add beauty and safety to your home or business.
Latest News in Cedar Crossing, GA
New $275 Million Casino Approved in Cedar Rapids
Wilna van Wykhttps://casinobeats.com/2025/02/10/new-275-million-casino-approved-in-cedar-rapids/
A new $275m casino has been approved by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission from backers, which will see the Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center built in the state despite some previous legal complications.The Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center, which will be built in Cedar Rapids, will contain 700 slot machines, 22 table games, and a 1,500-seat entertainment venue to host events and live music. It was pitched by the Linn County Gaming Association in partnership with Peninsula Pacific Entertainment.The ...
A new $275m casino has been approved by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission from backers, which will see the Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center built in the state despite some previous legal complications.
The Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center, which will be built in Cedar Rapids, will contain 700 slot machines, 22 table games, and a 1,500-seat entertainment venue to host events and live music. It was pitched by the Linn County Gaming Association in partnership with Peninsula Pacific Entertainment.
The proposed Iowa casino and hotel has endured some legal turbulence in the state, as it was a topic of debate in the House of Representatives, where a five-year prohibition was enforced on new casino licenses was approved in a vote of 68-31. However, this suspended vote failed in the Senate, and the Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center was given the green light.
Approved plans for the Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center mark the third time the county has applied for a gaming license, with the previous times being rejected by The Gaming Commission in 2014 and 2017. As part of its bid, the Linn County Gaming Association has promised to donate 8% of its profits to the community with local charities.
Cedar Rapids Development Group Director Jonathan Swain said, “This is the best one”. He added: “It has the most amenities, it’s the highest value proposal, and so I think that the commission looked at that and saw a differentiation from the prior applications that we submitted.”
A four-to-one vote to approve the gaming license was met with some cannibalization fears that Cedar Crossing could draw as much as $56 million away from other casinos in the area, other dissenting voices claimed as high as $68 million. Commissioner Alan Ostegren of Altoona cast the singular opposing vote, who said: “We are a million miles away from a free market here,” Ostergren said. “And we did not ask as a commission to be put in a position of a command economy. But here we are.”
Cedar Rapids Development Group and the Linn County Gaming Association will have until October 31, 2027, to finish building and opening the new $275 casino, which will mark one of the largest gambling investments Iowa has ever seen.
Also in the news, the Georgia Senate proposes a resolution to legalize sports betting and casinos.
Iowa lawmakers fast-track casino moratorium bill
Robin Opsahlhttps://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/01/27/iowa-lawmakers-fast-track-casino-moratorium-bill/
House lawmakers moved quickly on a proposed casino moratorium, passing the measure through both a subcommittee and the Ways and Means Committee Monday.House Study Bill 80 would retroactively begin a moratorium on new casinos in Iowa starting Jan. 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030. The legislation would also forbid the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) from issuing future licenses if a new casino would be projected to impact ...
House lawmakers moved quickly on a proposed casino moratorium, passing the measure through both a subcommittee and the Ways and Means Committee Monday.
House Study Bill 80 would retroactively begin a moratorium on new casinos in Iowa starting Jan. 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030. The legislation would also forbid the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) from issuing future licenses if a new casino would be projected to impact the adjusted gross receipts of an existing licensed casino by more than 10%, or negatively impact the annual distributions of a qualified sponsoring organization. It also would set an eight-year block on casino applicants from counties where the commission has denied issuance of a license.
The bill was passed by the House Ways and Means Committee with a 17-8 vote, and will become available for debate Thursday.
The moratorium comes as the IRGC is set to make a decision on granting a casino license to Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center, a proposed $275 million facility, at its Feb. 6 meeting. While advocates representing the project, Cedar Rapids and Linn County said the casino proposal could bring significant revenue to the local community and state at large, those speaking on behalf of existing casinos said much of the revenue brought in by Cedar Crossing would come at the expense of other casinos.
Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, had proposed a moratorium in the final hours of the 2024 legislative session that was not considered by the Iowa Senate before adjournment. Kaufmann said last week that he is hopeful the Senate will take up the measure within the short timeframe this year, as the possibility of a new casino in Cedar Rapids is no longer “hypothetical.”
Kaufmann and speakers representing existing casinos said the Cedar Rapids project could hurt businesses in the state. Frank Chiodo, representing Elite Casino Resorts, the company that owns Riverside Casino and Golf, Rhythm City Casino and Grand Falls Casino, said an estimated 237 jobs would be lost at the Riverside Casino and a $100 million construction project at the Rhythm City casino in Davenport could be on the line if the Cedar Crossing Casino moves forward.
“You have hundreds of millions dollars invested, a bunch of jobs — thousands of jobs — on the line, and we want to change the rules in the middle of the game and wonder why there’s concern amongst the industry,” Chiodo said.
He added that he believed it was the Legislature’s “responsibility” to pass a moratorium because of the impacts a new casino would have on the state.
But supporters of the development said the economic benefits a Cedar Rapids casino would bring to the state outweigh the negative effects. Multiple advocates cited recent studies that found Cedar Crossing is projected to bring in $60 million in total statewide commercial gambling revenue, and would take away less business from other casinos than previous proposals showed.
However, the Cedar Crossing project is still projected to have a significant impact on nearby casinos, with a study from Marquette Advisors finding Riverside casino could see a $34 million loss, Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel a $14.1 million loss and a drop of $8.8 million at Isle Casino in Waterloo by 2029 due to Cedar Crossing.
Some speakers argued that these projections do not mean lawmakers should halt the project, and said that Iowa lawmakers should allow for competition among casinos. Larry Murphy, speaking on behalf of the city of Cedar Rapids and Linn County Board of Supervisors, said he was a member of the Legislature when the gaming industry was first approved in the state. Since then, he said, gaming has become an established, successful industry in Iowa.
“As you contemplate pros, cons on this bill and this much longer discussion, I would encourage you to realize that at this point you have a very strong industry, and there’s nothing in the law or the rules to prohibit the competition where some or all of the existing industry, gaming industry, to change their payoffs so that they’re more attractive than the new kids on the block in Cedar Rapids,” Murphy said. “… I think it’s not fair for a well-muscled industry to come to you and ask you to interfere with the capitalist system.”
Rep. Sami Scheetz, D-Cedar Rapids, said allowing for more casinos to enter the space — even if it means more competition for existing casinos — would be a net benefit to the state.
“At a time when we’re seeing our gaming revenue go down … it’s time for some competition that’s going to inject new money into the system,” Scheetz said. “We’re going to hear concerns about job losses. In my other job, I represent workers, so I don’t take job losses lightly at all. But there is no competition in free markets where people are not displaced. Our job as state legislators is to look at this holistically, to look at the overall market, and to let the Racing and Gaming Commission do its job.”
Kaufmann told reporters last week that arguments about the state casino industry being a free market are a “fallacy.”
“The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is a government body that chooses winners and losers, and the free market does not exist,” he said.
In an interview with Iowa Capital Dispatch last week, Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell called for lawmakers to allow the IRGC to consider Cedar Rapids proposal. She said she has “every faith that they are doing their due diligence and will make the decision to the best of their ability,” and called for the Legislature to allow the process to play out — even if it means that Cedar Rapids could again be denied a license, as happened in 2014 and 2017.
“If the governor and the Legislature decide we’re going to have a Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, they need to be able to do more than decide who gets new carpet and who changes a light bulb at a casino,” O’Donnell said. “They’re in place to make serious — not that those aren’t serious decisions — but I mean, they’re actually in place to make extremely serious decisions, and this is one of them. And for the Legislature to even threaten to get in the way is incredibly distasteful and disheartening.”
At the House Ways and Means Committee, Kaufmann said he believes the Legislature should be involved in the discussion on how best to manage the industry.
“As far as us — the implication that we shouldn’t be interfering, I disagree,” Kaufmann said. “This is a decision of severe magnitude for everyone affected. We created the IRGC, we change the rules literally every single year. And on a decision of this magnitude, I believe that it is within our purview, which is why I chose to pursue this.”
This story is developing and will be updated.
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