SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Decatur leaders are hopeful Illinois lawmakers will pass a bill by Sunday to develop a new horse racing track in Macon County.

The Decatur horse track casino, or racino, would be privately funded without the need for state dollars. Advocates told the House Executive Committee Tuesday the race track could feature grandstands, a sports complex, recreational fields, a gaming facility, retail, restaurants and lodging.

Some believe the project could create 300 full-time jobs, and the facility would be built with 100% union labor.

"Opportunities like this don't come around every day for Decatur," said Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe. "While we work really hard to grow our own success stories and make economic development happen, something like this is a game-changer."

City and county leaders said Decatur Downs could bring in 1,000 new visitors each race day. They also noted the racino could generate $27 million annually in new state and local tax revenue.

State senators passed a plan to create the Decatur racino on a 49-8 vote in October, but that bill has stalled in the House. 

"This is a crucial piece of legislation because it creates a unique opportunity for economic benefit in both counties located within the 48th district," said Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield). "There is also a commitment for infrastructure upgrades at the Illinois State Fairgrounds that will expand year-round training opportunities while strengthening the entire regional horse racing ecosystem."

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