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SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced more than $2.2 million in Illinois FIRST funding to the village of Rantoul for roadway construction and improvements to serve a pork processing facility of American Premium Foods, Inc. that will bring 210 new jobs to the area.
"American Premium Food's planned $28 million investment in a new processing facility, and the 210 jobs it will create, will be an economic boost to Rantoul and Champaign County," Governor Ryan said. "This is a very good example of how Illinois FIRST is helping to revitalize communities."
The Illinois Department of Transportation will provide $2,151,593 in Economic Development Program (EDP) funds and $59,546 in Truck Access Route Program (TARP) funds for up to half of the costs of roadway improvements to serve the new facility. The new plant will be located on 40 acres at Rantoul Industrial Park.
The funds will be used for the addition of turn lanes on US 136, the reconstruction of Prospect Road to carry heavy trucks, and construction of Turner Road on the east side of the facility to carry trucks and employee vehicles.
EDP funds are used for transportation improvements that help communities retain or attract businesses and associated jobs. TARP funds help communities upgrade roads to accommodate large trucks. Both programs are administered by IDOT and funded by Illinois FIRST.
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