Senator Proposing Terre Haute Casino
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA state senator from Terre Haute says he will author a bill in the 2017 legislative session authorizing construction of a casino in the Vigo County city. Jon Ford (R-38) says the proposed gaming and entertainment venue would generate 1,250 jobs and provide reliable streams of tax revenue for the city and county.
The bill would allow the owner of Rising Star Resort and Casino in Rising Sun to relocate up to half of its gambling games to the new facility in Terre Haute. Ford says the city is an ideal location for a new casino because it is at least two hours away from other gaming operations in Indiana and Illinois.
"This project would provide much-needed tax revenue, economic activity and jobs for Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley," said Ford. "The gaming industry has done well for the state and host communities for the last 20 years – and for our region to participate would be a significant opportunity. This legislation can provide an economic boost to the Terre Haute area while protecting the positive impact gaming has had on the Rising Sun area."
The construction of the venue is estimated to cost between $100 and $150 million. Ford says the facility would also help to ensure the long-term viability of the existing Rising Star casino in Ohio County.
Ford is planning to file the legislation in January after the Senate reconvenes for the 2017 session.