EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) _ Evansville's redevelopment commission has given its final approval to a $74 million hotel that would be built adjacent to the southwestern Indiana city's convention center.
 
  Mayor Lloyd Winnecke says Thursday night's 4-0 vote by the Evansville Redevelopment Commission was a crucial step for the hotel development plan.
 
  But the Evansville city council now must decide whether to approve funding for the $74 million project that would include $37.5 million in public financing.
 
  The Evansville Courier & Press reports Branson, Mo.-based developer HCW plans to build a Hilton Doubletree with about 250 rooms and a 6,000-square-foot ballroom.
 
  HCW's investment in the hotel is expected to be nearly $24 million. The company also will build and operate an apartment complex with about 80 units.