Illinois: Publicly owned resort should be demolished

SHELBYVILLE, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says a troubled, state-owned resort in eastern Illinois that has been closed since 2009 should be demolished and the site redeveloped.

The department said in a news release Tuesday that it would cost $17.8 million to replace or repair buildings at Eagle Creek Resort and Conference Center facility on Lake Shelbyville. So the agency is soliciting ideas for the site that would be both a good deal for taxpayers and draw visitors.

Eagle Creek closed as the resort suffered both financial problems and a mold infestation.

Local officials have long pushed for action on the resort on Lake Shelbyville. The lake is about 60 miles southwest of Champaign.

Plans to reopen it stalled in 2014 when a Decatur company backed out of the project.