•November 11, 2015•

By Mike Brothers

Efforts to keep reopening plans for Eagle Creek Resort moving forward through local funding have taken a step backwards.

Moultrie County Board Chairman Dave McCabe told budget and finance committee members this week a stumbling block had been reached with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the funding counties.

He explained states attorneys from Moultrie and Shelby counties were working on an intergovernmental agreement for a repayment schedule for the $92,000 loan to the IDNR.

Differences over a 90 day pay back term caused the IDNR to balk on the agreement.

“We have decided to drop the idea until the state resolves its budget problems,” McCabe said.

A group of Moultrie and Shelby counties leaders effort to get Eagle Creek Resort reopened had secured an Illinois Department of Natural Resources  grant to conduct a feasibility study last year.

The $138,000 study, which would determine the feasibility of reopening the resort, stalled along with the state budget.

McCabe stated the $92,000 loan from Shelby and Moultrie counties could have completed the study. He explained the urgency stemmed from developers who have expressed interest in Eagle Creek, but nothing can be done until the study is completed.

Treasurer Marci Thompson presented the committee with resolutions for two properties sold at tax auction.

One track in Lovington Township sold to John A. Renfro on a $1326 bid and one track in Sullivan Township sold to Robert G. Jackson on a $2555 bid.
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