1. (a) This section does not apply to a riverboat:

   1. (1) located in a historic hotel district; or
   2. (2) described in IC 4-33-2-17 (4).

2. (b) After consulting with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the commission may do the following:

   1. (1) Determine the waterways that are navigable waterways for purposes of this article.
   2. (2) Determine the navigable waterways that are suitable for the operation of riverboats under this article.

   3. (3) Approve a plan submitted under IC 4-33-6-23 for:

      1. (A) the construction of a new permanently moored craft; or
      2. (B) the conversion of a self-propelled excursion boat into a permanently moored craft.

3. (c) In determining the navigable waterways on which riverboats may operate, the commission shall do the following:

   1. (1) Obtain any required approvals from the United States Army Corps of Engineers for the operation of riverboats on those waterways.
   2. (2) Consider the economic benefit that riverboat gambling provides to Indiana.
   3. (3) Seek to ensure that all regions of Indiana share in the economic benefits of riverboat gambling.

As added by P.L.277-1993(ss), SEC.124. Amended by P.L.1-1995, SEC.40; P.L.92-2003, SEC.20; P.L.15-2011, SEC.3; P.L.255-2015, SEC.6.