A member of the Indiana State Senate has reportedly revealed that he intends to introduce legislation early next year that would permit the city of Terre Haute to host a casino complete with up to 700 slots and 17 gaming tables.

According to a report from the Inside Indiana Business television program, Jon Ford explained that the proposed gaming and entertainment venue could generate up to 1,250 new jobs and provide municipal and county governments in the area with reliable streams of tax revenues.

The Republican reportedly also stated that his legislation would allow casino operator Full House Resorts Incorporated to relocate up to half of the games in its Rising Star Casino Resort some 176 miles away in Ohio County to the new Terre Haute facility.

“This project would provide much needed tax revenues, 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.”

Ford additionally reportedly declared that Terre Haute is an ideal location for a new casino because it lies at least two hours away from other gaming operations in Indiana and Illinois with the closest being French Lick Resort Casino around 108 miles away in Orange County.

Inside Indiana Business reported that it would cost $100 million to $150 million to construct a new Vigo County casino with Ford proclaiming that the Terre Haute facility could moreover help to ensure the long-term viability of the Rising Star Casino Resort, which has been suffering from reduced revenues.