PALMER, Mass. (AP) — The chief executive of the Mohegan Sun's parent company says layoffs at the Connecticut casino will not affect its expansion plans in western Massachusetts.

The Day of New London reports that Mitchell Etess, head of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, told the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce in Palmer on Wednesday that 300 layoffs announced last month were necessary to "right-size" the work force. He says Connecticut's economy is worse than elsewhere.

The Telegram of Worcester reported that Etess said the Mohegan Sun will pay its $400,000 application fee for the Palmer site when it submits its formal request. He said it will happen when the time is appropriate but was not specific.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission says Suffolk Downs in East Boston and MGM in Springfield have submitted resort casino fees.