Governor Announces Illinois FIRST Grant to GoodField Will Provide For Company Expansion and 50 New Jobs

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced the approval of $222,100 in Illinois FIRST grants to the Village of Goodfield for roadway construction in Goodfield Business Park that will support a new business and 50 new jobs.

"The $5 million investment by Parsons Goodfield Co. to locate in the industrial park and construction of a 106,000 square foot building, along with the 50 new jobs they will bring, is a tremendous boost to the area's economy," Gov. Ryan said. "Keeping existing jobs and attracting new jobs in Illinois is one of my priorities, and Illinois FIRST can help communities provide the transportation infrastructure that is needed for businesses to locate or expand."

Parsons Goodfield Co. is a radiator assembly plant for Caterpillar.

Road improvements in the business park include construction of 1,250 feet of I-74 Drive, just northeast of the I-74 and IL 117 (Eureka St.) interchange.

Illinois FIRST funds will pay for 50 percent of the work with Goodfield responsible for the remaining 50 percent. The funds are allocated under the Economic Development Program and the Truck Access Route Program, both administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The EDP program targets transportation improvements that help communities retain or attract businesses and associated jobs. TARP funds help communities upgrade roads to accommodate large trucks.