State Assistance Allows the City of Hoopeston to Retain Jobs at Food Warehouse

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that the City of Hoopeston will receive a $500,000 grant for improvements at the municipally owned sewage treatment plant that will also benefit a local company, Hoopeston Foods, Inc. The loan will upgrade the city's existing sewage treatment lagoons to bring them into compliance with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and accommodate the future growth needs of Hoopeston Foods.

"This grant allows the City of Hoopeston to conform to the state's environmental standards and allows for future growth at Hoopeston Foods' warehouse facility," Governor Ryan said. "This project is critical in maintaining the quality of life in Hoopeston and retaining the existing jobs at the company."

The $500,000 grant is part of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs' (DCCA) Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP), a federally funded program that assists smaller Illinois local governments with their economic development needs. In this case, the City of Hoopeston was issued a warning by the state's environmental agency to correct wastewater treatment issues by June of 2002 in order to keep Hoopeston Foods at its current location.

"Mayor Flint and Hoopeston Foods are to be commended for their commitment in working with us to find a solution to the existing environmental issue and the company's expansion needs," said DCCA Director Pam McDonough. "This situation could have meant the loss of dozens of jobs, but instead, this partnership with the State of Illinois will allow the company to maintain its role as an important employer in the community."

"We are extremely grateful to Governor Ryan, Senator Judy Myers and Representative Bill Black for making this grant happen," said Hoopeston Mayor Chalmers Flint. "The people of Hoopeston and Hoopeston Foods have had a mutually beneficial relationship. As a result of this grant, the community will save money and Hoopeston Foods will keep its warehouse and jobs in town, and also have the ability to expand. It's a great result."