SPRINGFIELD | Springfield-area real estate agents say a controversial plan to move about 100 Illinois Department of Transportation workers to southern Illinois could put an $8 million strain on the local housing market.

The news came a day before Thursday's hearing on Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to move IDOT's Division of Traffic Safety to Harrisburg.

The Capital Area Association of Realtors said its analysis suggests the move could create a $21 million loss in the real estate market over the long term.

Blagojevich has pushed for the transfer plan, saying it'd be good for the southern Illinois economy. But others have bristled at that idea, saying that moving jobs within the state isn't economic development.

"What the governor fails to understand is that all areas of this state need economic development opportunities," Phil Chiles, president of the Springfield association, said in a statement.

On the other side, state Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, said the city has arranged for at least one bus of supporters to travel to Springfield on Thursday. Other proponents plan to drive themselves. He said that while most won't get an opportunity to speak at the hearing, they're going north "just show some support."

Also Thursday, the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce is expected to release a study showing the economic effect of the proposed transfer.

That study could conflict with one that IDOT conducted, which suggested the move could create 130 ancillary jobs in the Harrisburg area and cost Springfield 63 jobs.

"Ten jobs would be big for us," Phelps said.

Mike Riopell can be reached at mike.riopell@lee.net or (217) 789-0865.