INDIANAPOLIS -- State gaming regulators will give Orange County officials three weeks this spring to negotiate directly with four companies vying for the state's final casino license.

The Indiana Gaming Commission announced plans Friday to temporarily lift its prohibition on direct negotiations with prospective casino operators. That would allow members of a local commission to discuss job projections, development plans and other items that may be key to winning the casino license designated for the French Lick area.

Glenn Lawrence, the gaming commission's executive director, said the three-week period would allow for fair negotiations between Orange County representatives and prospective operators.

Similar negotiations in other Indiana casino communities in the mid-1990s allowed operators and local leaders to discuss details of riverboat development ventures, Lawrence said.

The ban on direct negotiations is designed to prevent any potential conflicts or appearances of impropriety.

Rep. Jerry Denbo, D-French Lick, said local leaders want to ensure the casino will become a catalyst for more development that will significantly boost tourism in Orange County, one of the poorest counties in the state. They foresee a destination resort that will attract families who visit the area and stay for several days.

"We want this to be more than just a casino," Denbo said. "We want to make sure we're all on the same page."

Regulators said the gaming commission likely will hold a public hearing in July to allow the four companies to publicly lay out their plans. The commission held similar hearings during the licensing of Indiana's other riverboats.

The commission would meet about two weeks later and vote to award the 20-year contract to one of the applicants.

Orange County voters overwhelmingly approved having a local casino in November's election.

A seven-member commission has been established to represent the county's interests and recommend a casino operator from among the four applicants. The gaming commission will make the final selection.