Illinois First To Support Economic Development In Roxana

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced that $533,600 in Illinois FIRST funds will be used to upgrade Wagon Wheel Road in Roxana to accommodate traffic from new facilities being built by Metro Concrete Products.

The new Metro Concrete Products facilities will initially create 35 new jobs.

"Making sure we have a sound transportation system is a key factor to economic development in Illinois," Ryan said. "Through Illinois FIRST, we're able to work with businesses and local communities to promote economic growth."

The Illinois FIRST funds include $458,300 from the Economic Development Program and $75,300 from the Truck Access Route Program, which are administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The Economic Development Program specifically targets transportation improvements that help the communities retain or attract businesses and associated jobs. The Truck Access Route Program provides state funds to local governments to help upgrade local roads so they can accommodate 80,000-pound trucks.

The improvement of Wagon Wheel Road will strengthen and pave the road which currently has an oil chip surface.