New construction at Fort Knox is starting to create job prospects throughout the region.

About 2,000 people from 12 counties near the Central Kentucky base have attended hiring symposiums, and economic development officials say they've given presentations at 18 college campuses.

The Courier-Journal says there has been lots of interest in jobs as the army prepares to open its new Human Resources Command Center later this year.

The army estimates 4,200 civilians, military personnel, and contractors will work at the facility.

Fort Knox spokeswoman, Connie Shaffery, says she expects 2,700 workers will move; leaving about 1,500 jobs to be filled.

In the middle of the economic downturn, the new jobs and a related construction boom could send millions of dollars into the area economy.