GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $2 MILLION IN GRANTS AND LOANS TO MARION FOR CIRCUIT CITY DISTRIBUTION CENTER

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced a $2 million package of grants and loans to assist the City of Marion with infrastructure improvements for a new Circuit City Midwest distribution center.

"This package will allow Marion to build new roads connecting the distribution center to area highways," Ryan said. "Our commitment to provide the necessary infrastructure for this project is another example of how the state can work with local governments to bring jobs to Illinois."

The Department of Commerce and Community Affairs awarded a $500,000 Community Development Assistance Program grant and a $600,000 Business Development Public Infrastructure Program loan to the City of Marion. The Department of Transportation will provide another $920,000 in funds for infrastructure improvements. After work is completed, the distribution center will have access to Illinois Route 13 and West Main Street.

"The Community Development Assistance Program and Business Development Public Infrastructure Program are the kinds of tools we can use to make sure Illinois is competitive with other states when it comes to attracting businesses," said Acting DCCA Director Pam McDonough.

DCCA has also approved the extension of the Williamson County Enterprise Zone to include the site.

Circuit City purchased 40 acres on the City of Marion's 220 acre industrial park, which is located three miles west of Interstate 57, south of the Williamson County Airport and adjacent to the CO&E Railroad and Route 13. The $18.5 million project is scheduled to begin this month with 60 full-time and 10 part-time jobs created by next spring.

The new 700,000 square foot facility will distribute electronic goods to Circuit City stores across the Midwest. Circuit City is the nation's largest retailer of brand-name consumer electronics and major appliances and the leading retailer of personal computers and music software. There are currently more than 500 Circuit City Superstores in more than 135 markets.

"We're excited to have Circuit City as the first tenant in our new industrial park. The site's access to the interstate and railroad make it an ideal location for the company's Midwest distribution center. I want to commend Governor Ryan for making available the state resources needed to get this project going," said Marion Mayor Robert Butler.