SALT LAKE CITY, April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- HOWA Construction Inc. (HOWA), headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, one of the Intermountain West's leading general contractor's announced today that it has begun construction on an Integrated Horse Racing and Gaming Entertainment facility called Zia Park in Hobbs, New Mexico. HOWA will act as general contractor and construction manager for all phases of development.


This project represents the first master-planned "Racino" built in North America. "Casinos have been added to race tracks, but Zia Park is the first facility to build a comprehensive Racino facility from the ground up. This provides a truly integrated experience for a range of guests looking to take advantage of the best that horse racing and gaming has to offer," states Bill McGrath, HOWA Construction.


Zia Park will provide a mix of entertainment venues including a Las Vegas Style Casino, Simulcast Lounge, and Buffet. Horse Racing components will include the track, a paddock jockey's quarters, a 350 seat covered outdoor grandstand, and a 400 box seat clubhouse. Future developments to be located on site include a steakhouse and a hotel/conference center.


Design and Construction of the project is fast-tracked and phased. Casino operations will begin in November of 2004. The completion of the track, clubhouse building and backstretch facilities will open to allow racing to commence in the fall of 2005.


For further information, please contact: Dru Damico: HOWA, 801-328-1514.

About HOWA CONSTRUCTION

For over the past five decades, the name HOWA has become synonymous with excellence, distinction, and unmatched quality throughout the construction industry. Today, HOWA Construction, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah provides general contracting and construction management services to select private clients nationwide. For more information about HOWA please visit www.howa.com


Source: HOWA Construction Inc.

CONTACT: Dru Damico of HOWA, +1-801-328-1514


Web site: http://www.howa.com/