Governor announces $236,000 for infrastructure improvements in Southern Illinois

CHICAGO - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich is providing $236,000 in funding for infrastructure projects in four Southern Illinois communities including Hurst, Mound City, and Johnson and Saline counties.   

 

"The people of Illinois have the right to expect their state and local governments to provide the necessary resources for projects that are important to their health, quality of life, and projects that support community and business development," said Governor Blagojevich. 

 

The grant recipients, grant amounts and project descriptions are listed below:

 

Johnson County, $66,491 for infrastructure improvements at a 30-acre industrial park being developed off of Route 146 near Vienna. This is the final installment on a $350,000 grant for this project.

 

Saline County Industrial Development Company (Saline County), $100,000 to acquire land for development of an industrial park.  The development group is looking to attract manufacturing companies to Saline County through development of a 200-acre tract of land adjacent to the Canadian National rail line running along the west boundary of Saline County.

 

Mound City (Pulaski County), $20,000 for roof repairs to the city's garage.  This is the final installment on a $40,000 grant for this project.

 

"As the economic base of Southern Illinois continues to diversify, we need to have the infrastructure in place that will attract a mix of commercial development," said State Representative Brandon Phelps who is the current legislative sponsor of these projects.  "I want to thank the Governor for recognizing the importance of these projects to our economic development efforts."

 

City of Hurst (Williamson County), $50,000 for construction and renovation of the city's sewer system. The city needs to replace 27,000 feet of sewer main, manholes and service lines. 

 

"This project will help prevent future problems brought on by an old and deteriorated sewage system," said grant sponsor State Senator Gary Forby.  "I want to thank the Governor for supporting this project which helps prevent public health problems and improves the quality of life for the people of Hurst."