First Light Resort and Casino, Taunton

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
Taunton, Massachusetts

First Light is a destination resort and casino planned by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe in Taunton. For the Tribe, this project would be a tool for economic self-determination. For the City, the development presents an opportunity to revitalize the area and stimulate the economy with the creation of thousands of jobs. Once constructed, First Light will offer visitors an exciting locale with three hotels, numerous restaurants, a retail shopping center, entertainment venues, and a family water park, alongside a tastefully appointed casino with over 4,000 gaming positions. 

HSH successfully maneuvered through the Massachusetts/National Environmental Policy Acts (MEPA/NEPA) processes, obtaining both Massachusetts and Federal environmental permitting approvals. The study area included over 50 intersections and two interchanges with Route 140. HSH worked closely with the team, City, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to propose conceptual improvements and complete final design, off-site transportation improvements at over two dozen intersection locations, interchange improvements, and on-site traffic solutions to meet the demands of this traffic-intensive use. HSH also provided construction oversight at the Harts Four Corners intersection, Route 140 at Harts Street.