Now that legislators have approved a bill that allows for a Danville casino, many people are wondering whether it’s really coming.
Vicki Haugen, President of Vermilion Advantage Economic Development Corporation, says there are still interested parties. ‘’We will be working in partnership with the city to reach out and learn more,’’ Haugen told VermilionCountyFirst.com News Monday.
‘’As you know a lot has changed since the discussion for a casino initiated 12+ years ago,’’ said Haugen. ‘’Those changes have inevitably affected the economic impact, jobs, location, ect. etc.’’.
Haugen says she realizes everyone is going to want absolute answers since the legislation has passed, ‘’but the reality of it is this will be a process moving forward with many players and moving parts. All indications in previous feasibility studies demonstrated there would be spin-off economic development benefits,’’ she added. As those are confirmed, Haugen says she is sure there will be a lot of public discussion about the process.
Vermilion County Board Chairman Larry Baughn notes the casino has been a long time coming. ‘’So many people had a hand in this project over the years and the hard work has finally paid off,’’ said Baughn. He notes the way the bill was written with casinos being able to be land based and not on water it will open a few doors of location.
Baughn said the last study had it close to Interstate 74 but adds he is not one to speculate on its exact location. And Baughn noted Monday that the last study done for the City of Danville estimated a casino here would create 690 direct impact jobs and 736 indirect jobs. ‘’Not to mention the current business that the area already has that will benefit from out-of-town visitors,’’ added Baughn. The County Board Chairman says if all goes well, he personally feels Danville and Vermilion County are in for some exciting changes.
