Illinois FIRST to Help Plug Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced that Illinois FIRST grants totaling $367,640 are helping to plug 92 abandoned oil and gas wells in 14 southern Illinois counties.

"Illinois FIRST is providing additional funding to plug abandoned wells, which often pose environmental and public safety hazards if left unplugged," Ryan said. "These funds are helping to ensure the protection of groundwater supplies and farm land threatened by these orphaned wells."

This year alone, Illinois has dedicated more than $1.3 million to plug 361 wells through the landowner grant program, a 10-fold increase in funding for the landowner grant program. There are more than 4,500 abandoned wells in the state. The grants, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, reimburse landowners after the wells are plugged and the work is approved by IDNR inspectors.

This is the fourth year of the landowner grant program, which has provided more than $2.7 million in grants to plug 776 wells. Well eligibility information and additional details about the program are available by contacting the IDNR Office of Mines and Minerals Landowner Grant Program, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62701-1787, or by calling 217/782-7756, Ameritech Relay 800/526-0844.

FY 2001 LANDOWNER GRANT AWARDS