"Increased interest by private developers in commonwealth property along the Delaware River has led to a proliferation of bills to hastily transfer ownership," Rendell says in a statement. "To protect the quality of life of Pennsylvanians who live near this land, we need to take a step back and re-evaluate our policies regarding the conveyance of waterfront or riparian rights to ensure that we do not negatively impact surrounding neighborhoods or infrastructure."

Such a re-evaluation would also protect the state's business interests, the governor says. "Pending the outcome of gaming licenses and their locations, Pennsylvania has the potential to command higher prices for these parcels of property, and I'm all for protecting the best interests of the taxpaying public."

At least one casino on the Delaware seems inevitable. Four of the five plans submitted in bids for the two licenses that will be granted for Philadelphia are on riverfront sites. They are, north to south: Pinnacle, SugarHouse, Riverwalk and Foxwoods. Only the TrumpStreet site is not on the Delaware.

DSG is charged with implementing legislation that authorizes the conveyance, by deed or long-term lease, of the commonwealth's riparian rights, that is, the rights inherent in land that borders a natural body of water. Suspension of such legislation, Rendell says, "would enable various state agencies and members of the General Assembly to re-examine the riparian policy so that it does not impact in any negative manner the best interests of Pennsylvanians." The governor's office of general counsel and policy and legislative offices would work with DGS and the state's Department of Environmental Protection to refine the policy.