BROOME COUNTY – Republican State Senate hopeful Fred Akshar is weighing in on a decision to potentially green-light a full gaming facility in the Southern Tier.

The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board announced Wednesday that it recommends Tioga Downs in Nichols as a new location for a Vegas-style casino.

The board credited Tioga Downs’ potential to create hundreds of jobs and boost the Southern Tier’s economy as a key factor for its endorsement.

Board members rejected a previous application submitted by Tioga Downs earlier this year; however, application revisions led to a second look. Those revisions include an approximate $138 million investment from Tioga Downs and a larger on-site hotel than was initially planned.