Boyd Gaming Corp. removing cranes from Echelon site

Boyd Gaming Corp. has begun removing some of the cranes at its 87-acre Echelon site although a company spokesman said the work did not indicate any change in the stalled project’s status.

Company spokesman David Strow Tuesday said the equipment that is being removed had been used to pour concrete on the Strip project, so they are no longer needed.

“Those are being removed from the site because we were leasing them and we no longer want to pay month-to-month rent on equipment we are not using,” Strow said.

Other construction cranes on the project, which was halted a year ago, will remain on site for now, he said.

Boyd Chief Executive Officer Keith Smith has said the company is continuing to evaluate the project but still views it “as a long-term strategic asset for the company.”

He said the company has no interest in selling the $4.8 billion Echelon.

Boyd stopped construction in August 2008 after the economy crashed and gaming revenues began to tumble.

Contact reporter Arnold M. Knightly at aknightly@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893.