Governor Announces Road Improvements for DuQuoin

DUQUOIN -- Governor George H. Ryan today awarded $108,000 in Illinois FIRST funds to DuQuoin for construction of an access road to serve MPP of Illinois, an electroplating metal finishing plant at the city's northwest industrial park.

MPP is investing $5 million in the new facility that will create 70 new jobs in 2001. This is the company's first plant in Illinois.

"The creation of 70 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 providing a transportation system that can attract new businesses."

The state's contribution to this partnership was made possible by Illinois FIRST which funds 50 percent of the project. DuQuoin will provide the remaining funds.

The improvements involves constructing a 790-feet access road from North Maple Street to the MPP facility.

The Illinois FIRST funds include $84,000 from the Economic Development Program targeted to transportation improvements that help communities retrain and attract businesses and associated jobs and $24,000 from the Truck and 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.