State officials announced yesterday that they are ready to get the Rend Lake Resort back in business.

The resort in Whittington is owned by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. It had been operated by a contractor, but IDNR shut it down in December – after that vendor became delinquent on rent and tax payments, and health issues such as mold and peeling paint were noted in resort buildings.

A Request for Proposals was issued yesterday and starts the state bid process. A conference for prospective vendors will be held at the resort on June 28.