Terre Haute, Gary Mayors Talk Casinos And Economic Development

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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind – Thursday afternoon Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett and Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson held a joint press conference to discuss SB552 and how passage would benefit both communities.

Mayor Bennett said that the biggest hang-up with the bill is that it has to do with gambling but it is more about economic development for west central  Indiana.

Bennett talked about the economic benefit of a $150 million investment and the 500 construction  and up to 400 permanent jobs that would come with a casino. He also mentioned the economic boost to tourism for the area.

Gary Mayor Freeman-Wilson also spoke of the economic boost for her area.  Both Gary casinos that are now on the lake would move inland. That would leave room for $300 million in development on Buffington Harbor. Freeman-Wilson said that plans are to turn that area into the North American Intermodal Gateway.

A committee of representatives of both the Senate and House will now try to work out differences  between the two versions before this session adjourns  at the end of the month.