SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced a $113,000 grant to the village of Glen Carbon to acquire property for a downtown park.

The acquisition includes four parcels of land totaling 16 acres and is part of a multi-phase park development project by the community that will eventually include the acquisition and development of 90 acres.

"Creating new park space as communities such as Glen Carbon expand, is important to maintaining a high quality of life for local residents," Ryan said. "Because new parks can be difficult for many communities to afford, it is important for state government to help out when possible."

Funds for the grant come from the state’s Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, administered by the Department of Natural Resources.

More than $125 million has been awarded for nearly 800 local park projects since the OSLAD program was initiated in 1986. The program is funded by a dedicated percentage of the states real estate transfer tax.