Regional Jet 900 (CRJ900)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Conflict NMAC
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
About 15 - 20 miles out from EVV we called the airport insight. Approach said they would clear us in about 10 miles. When we got closer and it looked as though we were approaching an aircraft that just took off from EVV. About the same time the First Officer was going to ask for a lateral deviation we received a TA then immediately RA went off monitor VS and then Desend. Additionally ATC announced the traffic at the same time we were responding to the Desend RA and that there was traffic 12'oclock and 2000 ft. We were at 2500 ft. and the aircraft was at our altitude. We responded to the RA and acknowledged the traffic and informed ATC we had a RA. It appeared we were within 300 ft of the helicopter when it passed off our left wing.We should have asked for a deviation when the helicopter turned towards us. I initially made the assumption the aircraft was climbing out and would be on top of us by the time it passed. And not that it was going to be a helicopter at our altitude. ATC should have announced the traffic when they didn't clear us for the approach. I don't know whether the helicopter was at fault or ATC; but this was way too close for my comfort.
CRJ-900 Captain reported an NMAC event while under control of Approach Control during approach with a departing helicopter.