Governor Ryan Announces Illinois FIRST Grant to Mt. Carmel

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced the approval of $128,000 in Illinois FIRST grants to the city of Mt. Carmel for road improvements in Mt. Carmel Industrial Park that will support a new business and 30 new jobs.

"The industrial park location of CST, Inc., their investment in a 50,000 square foot building along with the 30 new jobs they will bring to the Mt. Carmel area are a tremendous boost to the area's economy," Governor 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."

CST, Inc. will manufacture automotive caps and thermostats for distribution throughout the Midwest. Road improvements in the industrial park include the construction of a 432 foot segment of industrial park road north from IL 15. The road will serve CST, Inc.

Illinois FIRST funds will pay for 50 percent of the work with Mt. Carmel 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.