DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Construction equipment has begun dirt work on the recently approved casino in Jefferson but local and state officials are gathering to turn a few spades of dirt themselves in the ceremonial groundbreaking celebration to officially kick off the project. The Wild Rose Jefferson casino project was awarded a gambling license on June 12 by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

The $40 million project including an events center, sports bar, restaurants, and an Iowa store will add 275 jobs. A 71-room hotel also will be built. The casino is going up at the intersection of U.S. Highway 30 and Iowa Highway 4 in Jefferson. It is scheduled to open for business late next summer.

Iowa Rep. Chip Baltimore, a Boone Republican, is among the speakers at Thursday afternoon’s groundbreaking ceremony.