ELKHART — In the wake of big layoffs in Elkhart County's RV industry, county officials are now looking into a study to see what the future holds for local production and jobs.

"Historically I think we have probably taken the RV industry for granted," said County Administrator Tom Byers.

Byers is hoping to help oversee a study into the local RV industry.

It would look at the effects of the economy on the RV industry, to policy changes in the county that could help the industry and to ways to improve fuel economy on motorized RVs.

The study was prompted by recent layoffs at several local RV plants and the planned Monaco job cuts in September.

"We just always assumed that in bad economic times, they always bounce back,” said Byers. “The question becomes now, if they don't bounce back, what do we do?”

The study would look at strategies and policies to assist RV plants.

"We’re concerned at this point that maybe with the new world economy, perhaps with a new world energy situation, this recreational vehicle downturn might be a little different than ones we've experienced in the past," said County Commissioner Mike Yoder.

One of those interested in the proposed study is Wakarusa Town Manager Tom Roeder. He said over 900 jobs will be lost at plants in his community.

“The RV industry is so important to our community,” said Roeder. “Something needs to be done, and now that local elected officials are pursuing this, I think it would be wonderful and hopefully that we can be a part of it."

"I think we need to find out just how long of a tail this economic downturn has for RVs,” said Yoder.

Elkhart County Commissioner Terry Rodino was in Washington D.C. on Wednesday to talk with the Department of Labor and Commerce. He hopes to obtain a $50,000 grant from them to start the study. Most likely it would be conducted with the help of an area university.