ILLINOIS FIRST TO SUPPORT NEW ALLSTATE FACILITY IN WOODRIDGE

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced that $257,000 in Illinois FIRST funds will be used to make roadway improvements to accommodate Allstate Insurance's new 77,000 square-foot Client Information Center in Woodridge.

This spring, Ryan joined Allstate to announce the decision to locate a new internet support facility in Woodridge.

"This new facility will create 700 new jobs for the area. That kind of economic impact is well worth the state's investment of $257,000," Ryan said. "This public/private sector investment will lay the foundation for a promising future for the area as well the state."

The funds will cover half of the costs for engineering and the reconstruction of the Interstate 55 frontage road, from Westgate Road to the Woodridge Village limits.

The funding, made possible by Illinois FIRST, comes from the Economic Development Program, which specifically targets transportation improvements to help communities retain or attract new businesses and associated jobs. The Illinois Department of Transportation administers the program.

As part of the agreement announced in March, the State of Illinois is also providing Allstate with EDGE tax credits and job training assistance for the new workers. The state's involvement was cited as an essential part of Allstate's decision to expand in Illinois.