It's official, Sands Bethworks will open on schedule. Las Vegas Sands Corp. says despite its recent financial struggles it plans to complete the slots casino. As WFMZ's Jackie Shutack explains, the announcement is not only big for Bethlehem, but the entire Lehigh Valley.  Reporter: Full speed ahead. Las Vegas Sands Corp. announces they are focusing their development and money on Sands Bethlehem...the 427 million dollar casino is targeted to open late Spring 2009. Once the slot machines start ringing, the city of Bethlehem expects to receive 14-thousand dollars a day in revenue...over in Allentown, Mayor Ed Pawlowski is relieved to hear that Sands will open on time. 
Mayor Ed Pawlowski/Allentown: "They're almost halfway through with it. They've already spent a lot of money - it's probably the one project they can get up the fastest - which can improve their cash flow and earnings position."
Reporter: His city stands to receive 850-thousand dollars over one quarter of 2009 in slot revenue - 
Mayor Ed Pawlowski/Allentown: "It will go toward police, it will go towards fire, in our budget we're hiring 4 additional police officers, 4 additional firefighters, we have a new animal control officer." 
Reporter: Last night, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan also appeared happy to hear the news - he says he and his colleagues will push to make sure the hotel, mall and convention center, currently on hold, will eventually open.
Mayor John Callahan/Bethlehem: "We do want to make sure that over the coming months that we hold the Sands accountable and we hold their feet to the fire to get this project done on a timely basis." 
Reporter: Mayor Pawlowski adds he was concerned but optimistic the casino project would roll forward. Once it's completed, he says that's money that will greatly benefit his city. Reporting in Allentown, Jackie Shutack, 69 News.

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