RYAN ANNOUNCES $364,000 GRANT TO THE CITY OF PERU

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced the City of Peru has been awarded a state grant of $364,000 for road, sewer and water line projects needed for the construction of a new United Steel Deck, Inc. manufacturing plant.

"The State of Illinois is committed to helping local governments meet the infrastructure needs of companies that choose to locate in their community," Ryan said. "This type of assistance from the state is critical to Illinois' success in attracting jobs."

"Governor Ryan is committed to bringing good-paying jobs to Illinois. He knows one way to accomplish that is to make sure the state and local governments work together to attract businesses," DCCA Director Pam McDonough said.

The grant was made possible through the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs' Community Development Assistance Program.

CDAP assists smaller Illinois local governments with the financing of public infrastructure projects. In this case, Peru will use the funding to extend water and sewer services to the plant and extend Unytite Drive.

The infrastructure improvements played a role in United Steel Deck's decision to construct a manufacturing facility on the 28.7-acre site in the North Peru Industrial Park. The plant will manufacture a full line of metal roof and floor decks. Much of the steel deck will be sold to structural steel fabricators.

Construction on the plant is set to begin this week with 78 new, full-time jobs created by January, 2001.

"United Steel Deck's decision to locate in Peru was the result of a concerted effort between state and local officials. I commend Governor Ryan for providing us with the financial assistance needed to bring the company here," said Peru Mayor Donald Baker.