Ryan Announces Road Improvements for Mascoutah

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today approved $89,000 in in Illinois FIRST funds Illinois FIRST funds for road improvements to serve Cablofil, Inc. at the industrial park in north Mascoutah.

"The location of Cablofil is a tremendous boost to the area and the road access, make possible by Illinois FIRST, has greatly enhanced Mascoutah's ability to attract new industry," Ryan said. "This is the kind of investment in our communities that Illinois FIRST was designed to foster."

The firm will transfer its manufacturing operations from France and construct a facility at this location creating 25 new jobs in 2001 and add up to 60 total jobs within five years. The facility will also include Cablofil's U.S. headquarters. The company produces cable trays used to manage telecommunications, data and electric cables in buildings. The road improvements involve constructing a 600-foot access road to the industrial park.

The Illinois FIRST funds include $67,000 from the Economic Development Program targeted to transportation improvements that help communities retain or attract businesses and associated jobs. The remaining $21,900 comes from the Truck Access Route Program that provides state funds to upgrade local roads so they can accommodate 80,000-pound trucks.

The Illinois Department of Transportation administers both programs.