Miss America Pageant To Remain In AC For Another 3 Years
By John McDevitt
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Miss America pageant will remain in Atlantic City for another three years. New Jersey has approved a muti-million dollar deal to broadcast the competition live from the shore resort.
Officials are hoping the publicity will help promote Atlantic City as a top tourist destination.
Despite the threat of bankruptcy, New Jersey's Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) has approved an $11.9 million deal with the Miss America organization and Dick Clark Productions to broadcast the competition from Boardwalk Hall.
It's about a $4 million increase from the last three year contract. Well worth it, according to CRDA's Executive Director John Palmieri.
"There's a percentage that we get from all casino money spent to do re-development initiatives, as well as to manage and operate the Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall. We own those facilities. So it's in our interest to keep the boardwalk alive and to keep the tourism district operating and remaining viable as a tourism destination."
The CRDA also approved nearly $1 million to add 30 class two police officers on the to the tourism district, and they'll start training in the spring and should be walking the boards in July.
