Dual casino projects will add up to 400 local construction jobs in the Quad Cities over coming months.
Inside the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union on Friday, there's excitement over the long-term possibilities.
"It's money coming in," said apprentice welder Josh Starkweather, 27. "It's putting guys to work. That's what we like to see."
Starkweather and others are fired up about the prospects.
Rather than travel to long-term jobs, they'll be able to work close to home.
"Especially with these big time consuming projects," he continued. "Hopefully, I will spend time at one."
This is a double jackpot for construction workers.
Isle Bettendorf is already renovating the hotel's south tower.
It will soon begin building a land-based casino extending from the courtyard.
The future offers a sleek new look on land.
Rhythm City Casino is carving a path in Davenport.
Prep work will give way soon to groundbreaking.
Construction will create quite the showplace.
"Two big projects like that, plus others in the area, really present a great opportunity for growth in the building trades as well," said Tory Washburn, executive director of Tri-City Building Trades.
Those construction jobs will pay more than $23 per hour on average, plus benefits.
Work will last about a year at both locations.
For union workers, the steady assignment is a big bonus. It's also a nice recovery from the downturn.
"It's huge for us," said Starkweather. "Just going and proving that we're the best at what we do."
It should be a sure bet for local laborers over the next year.