Illinois First To Support Economic Development In Monee

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced his approval of $619,800 in Illinois FIRST funds for road improvements to serve five industrial firms located at the Southland Industrial Park in Monee.

The five firms will expand their operations adding more than one million square feet of warehouse and manufacturing facilities at the park and creating 550 new jobs for the area.

"The creation of 550 new jobs is a tremendous boost for the area," Ryan said. "One of my priorities is for the state to be a good partner with local governments and the private sector by making sure that the transportation system can keep and attract new businesses."

The state's contribution to this partnership was made possible by Illinois FIRST which provides 50 percent of the cost of the improvements. The village of Monee will provide the remaining funds.

The roads to be improved are Bruns Road and Whiting Drive with new traffic signals at the intersection of Bruns Road and Illinois 50.

The businesses expanding at the Industrial park are Ekco Housewares, Whiting Crane, South Holland Metal Finishing, Hugh Courtright and Company, and Triton Manufacturing.

The Illinois FIRST funds come from the Economic Development Program and the Truck Access Route Program, which are administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The Economic Development Program specifically targets transportation improvements that help communities retain or attract businesses and associated jobs. The Truck Access Route Program provides state funds to local governments to help upgrade local roads so they can accommodate 80,000-pound trucks.