Governor Ryan Praises Congressional Action to Fund Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today applauded Congressional approval of up to $50 million in federal funds for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

"Today's approval of federal funding for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a giant step forward for this worthwhile project," Ryan said. "With $50 million already earmarked by the state and $10 million from the City of Springfield, we are well on our way to breaking ground on a long-overdue, comprehensive center for Lincoln studies in his hometown of Springfield.

"I want to commend U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, House Speaker Denny Hastert, U.S. Rep. Ray Lahood, (R-IL) and all the members of the Congressional delegation who recognized the importance of securing these federal dollars. Through their combined efforts, Illinois' favorite son and this nation's greatest president will soon be honored with a world-class library and museum."

Of the $50 million in state funds, Ryan's Illinois FIRST program is providing $40 million.

The $115 million Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will be built on two city blocks in downtown Springfield. The project is being overseen by the Illinois Capital Development Board. The facility will be administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

The Library and Museum will feature two buildings joined by a second story walkway. The library building will house Illinois' world-famous Lincoln collection and serve as the new home of the Illinois State Historical Library. It will include multi-purpose rooms for conferences, symposia and meetings; classrooms; and all of the amenities associated with a modern, world-class research library. Groundbreaking for this building is tentatively scheduled for February 2001 with completion by late 2002.

Construction on the museum building should begin during 2002. The building will feature interactive exhibits, two theaters, space for visiting exhibitions, a children's play area, a restaurant and gift shop.