Natchez — City officials celebrated at a reception with the Premier Gaming Group Thursday night, a week after the casino group received needed gaming commission approval to proceed with its Natchez project.

Premier Gaming hosted the reception at the Castle Restaurant, where Premier President Kevin Preston said the company wanted to say thank you to the city.

Preston also said groundwork was started at the casino site Monday, and he expects to have a groundbreaking ceremony in the next few weeks.Premier Gaming’s chief financial officer Michael Trautner said the night was commemorating a big moment for the company and for the city.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done,” he said. “But we’re very excited to be here.”

Ward 6 Alderman Dan Dillard, Ward 3 Alderman Bob Pollard and Mayor Jake Middleton attended the reception on behalf of the city.

The Oct. 27 gaming commission approval from the commission came just days before the city would be given the option to terminate its lease with the company that first received site approval for the casino in 2007 and approval to proceed with development in 2008.

That approval expired after the company failed to submit proper financial documentation within a certain period of time.

Middleton said he was happy to finally see the casino project coming together.

“It’s been a long, long journey,” he said. “I think the city will be really pleased with the project. I’m just glad we finally got it here.”