Southwest Indiana update.

• Author: Derk, James
• Position: Economic development report

There's little doubt that economic-development efforts in Southwest Indiana will focus on the automotive industry for the foreseeable future.

GIBSON COUNTY

The announcement late last year that Toyota Motor Corp. would build its next vehicle plant in Gibson County, about 15 miles north of Evansville, has sparked a keen interest in the area.

Aside from the impact of the plant itself, expected to cost $750 million and employ at least 1,300 workers when it opens in 1998, there are 2,500 construction jobs in the short term to build it and get it operating. And there will be an incredible spinoff effect, according to economic planners. The location of the pickup truck plant in the state will mean dozens of suppliers also will build plants in Indiana or nearby states.

Nearly every county in Southwest Indiana is talking to manufacturers about site availability. They report that interest is high. The plant also will help forces pushing for the $1 billion extension of Interstate 69 from Indianapolis to Evansville. "I think between the Toyota plant and the extension of I-69 we'll be busting at the seams," says David Cox, executive director of the Dayless County Growth Council.

Gibson County official.s report increased land values and brisk interest, in nearby tracts of land from other potential developers. Toyota appears to be on the fast track to get construction moving. It already has leased office space in downtown Evansville and is making preparations to screen the tens of thousands of job applications it expects to receive.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY

Meanwhile, in regional center Vanderburgh County, the eyes have been on Indiana's first riverboat casino. Casino Aztar Evansville opened late last year and has been offering short cruises on the Ohio River to hundreds of thousands of patrons. Aztar made some lofty promises to land the lucrative gaming contract, and so far has met all of its financial goals, including hiring about 1,300 people to help run the operation.

The boat is operating out of temporary quarters on the Evansville riverfront while construction continues on a permanent pavilion and a luxury hotel complex, to be completed next year. Associated with the casino's arrival have been new strip malls, restaurants and motels on Evansville's burgeoning east side, as well as a major expansion to Eastland Mall, a regional shopping center. Two major shopping centers now are in the planning stages, and traffic planners are trying to quickly expand several major intersections.

On the manufacturing side...