DETROIT, MI -- The president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation sounds determined to see plans for

come to fruition.

"We're going to move; we're putting the financial pieces together as we speak," said George Jackson, of a non-profit organization that works with city officials and other partners on development issues. "So from that standpoint, we're moving; that's how this works normally.

"We've got some base funding related to the legislation that was passed in the lame duck session, and now we'll move on putting those final pieces together."

The legislation Jackson, interviewed Wednesday by Mlive Detroit, referred to came last month in the form of bill Gov. Rick Snyder signed that

Jackson said a location for the arena and entertainment complex hasn't been determined.

But he did at least acknowledge rumors and speculation the development could go where recently purchased parcels of land sit between Woodward Avenue and Cass.

The area is considered prime downtown real estate and the spot where plenty of land transactions have taken place, including

"There's an assumption (about the arena and complex's location)," said Jackson, who declined to speculate on a timeline for the development. "But when it comes to those matters I'm kind of like that Sgt. Schultz in 'Hogan's Heroes': 'I know nothing.'"

In related news, Jackson said he's not worried about the future status of Joe Louis Arena now that Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch's plans for a new one have surfaced.

Jackson also said he's not worried that the city-owned arena could eventual sit empty and unused if the Red Wings move to a new location.

Reports last month that

don't seem to bother him either.

"We'll get that done, we'll get that done," Jackson referring to all issues pertaining to The Joe. "I'm that kind of guy (to help get it done). I look at everything as an opportunity; either it's a good opportunity or our job to make it a good opportunity.

"We fix things. There's nothing that happens - here in Detroit or any other city - that just works perfectly."

Jackson said The Joe, leased to Olympia Entertainment, has already received interest for redevelopment because its in a prime location along the Detroit River.

Jackson declined to reveal the parties expressing interest in The Joe and their potential plans for redevelopment, but might've given a hint to what its future use could be.

"It's sitting there on the water; there's already interest in it," Jackson said. "I cant say for what, but the bottom line is that it comes from various people for various uses. The bottom line is that it's a site on the waterfront.

"The other issue: Do we need two arenas? No, arenas don't exactly make money."

What do you think about plan for the new Red Wings arena and entertainment complex proposed for downtown Detroit?

How about the state of Joe Louis Arena and its future?

Let us know in our comments section.