AmerenCIPS Donates $250,000 to Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

SPRINGFIELD - Governor George H. Ryan and First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan today accepted a $250,000 donation from AmerenCIPS for the construction and operation of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

"AmerenCIPS has been a wonderful friend to Illinois and we are grateful for this generous contribution to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Foundation," Governor Ryan said. "During these difficult times in our nation, it's important that we preserve and spread the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln, and AmerenCIPS is helping us do just that."

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a $115 million project that is a partnership of the State of Illinois, the City of Springfield and the federal government. The complex will house the world's largest collection of Lincoln artifacts and documents, as well as state-of-the-art exhibits that bring Lincoln's legacy to life.

Gary L. Rainwater, President and CEO of AmerenCIPS, presented the governor and Mrs. Ryan with a check for $250,000, bringing the total of private donations to more than $7 million.

"The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is one of the most significant projects ever undertaken by the people of Illinois. It will help boost the economy of central Illinois by attracting more visitors in the years to come.

"AmerenCIPS is proud to join with the people of Illinois in the building of the Lincoln Presidential Library. We thank Governor George Ryan and Lura Lynn Ryan for their leadership in taking this project from a dream to reality."

The Library and Museum complex will be located in downtown Springfield, a few blocks from several important historic sites: Illinois' Old State Capitol, where Lincoln served in the General Assembly, his former law offices, the only home he ever owned and the railroad depot where he made his famous farewell speech to his hometown.

"This library will be a place where people from all over the world can come together to learn about President Lincoln's outstanding leadership," Mrs. Ryan said. "I'd like to thank AmerenCIPS. for the generous donation. These funds will help us make this library an international destination for students and scholars alike."

A live internet camera currently shows a broad view of the construction in downtown Springfield. Several views will zoom in on the library, the next-door site of the museum and nearby Union Station, an historic train depot that will be converted into a "gateway" building for the library and museum complex.

The St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation donates millions of dollars every year to help communities and nonprofit organizations in Missouri and Illinois. AmerenCIPS, located in downtown Springfield, has provided natural gas service for more than 75 years and today distributes natural gas to nearly 169,000 customers in 267 Illinois communities.