SPRINGFIELD - A controversial plan to transfer 140 state workers from Springfield to Harrisburg is a "done deal," Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Friday.

In comments to reporters while opening the Illinois State Fair, Blagojevich repeated his intention to go through with the move, even though a panel of lawmakers still hasn't decided whether to support it.

"The decision's been made," Blagojevich said.

Under his plan, about 140 Illinois Department of Transportation jobs would be relocated to a converted office building in Harrisburg as part of an effort to boost the region's economy.

State law precludes the governor from closing large state facilities without legislative review. Members of the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability last week heard six hours of testimony about the proposed move and could vote next week.

The vote of the panel, however, is only advisory. The issue eventually could be decided in court.

Many of the Division of Traffic Safety employees and Springfield-area lawmakers oppose the plan. They say there is plenty of vacant office space in Springfield.

Blagojevich says no one will lose his job.

"Those employees at IDOT who don't want to follow their job to Harrisburg are encouraged, welcomed and we want them to maintain their employment at IDOT for the same pay, the same benefits in other positions here in Springfield," Blagojevich said.

He said the move would benefit Southern Illinois.

"We're creating jobs in Harrisburg because it's important to have IDOT operations spread out in some parts of Illinois, and there's an opportunity to be able to create some economic development in Saline County, down in Harrisburg," Blagojevich said.

kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865