Indianapolis racing and gaming company, Centaur Incorporated, wants to sell ownership of the embattled Lawrence County Valley View Downs Racino project.
Centaur has been trying to find a business partner and secure funding for more than two years, eventually filing for bankruptcy several months ago.
Officials hope the auction will help move the project along and bring thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in tax and gaming revenue to Mahoning Township and Lawrence County.
"If this project comes to fruition, it will become the second-largest employer in our county," said Lawrence County Commissioner Dan Vogler. "It would have a very positive economic impact."
Centaur could still be part of the plan, but local leaders said they'll support whoever steps up to invest and build Valley View Downs in their backyard.
Township supervisors said they don't have opposition and do want the facility in their township. They said people are behind the project 100 percent and that they need the income. They said no matter what the casino's take is, any revenue is better than no revenue.
"That's money that's desperately needed here to jump-start our economy," said Vogler.
A hearing on the auction proposal could be held later this month in bankruptcy court.
