Gov. Blagojevich announces $120,000 Opportunity Returns Brownfields Grant Funds for redevelopment in Pana

SPRINGFIELD --- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has approved $120,000 in Municipal Brownfields Redevelopment Grant (MBRG) Funding for the Christian County city of Pana.  This funding is needed to conduct investigation activities at a former refinery and asphalt plant. 

 

The city of Pana will use the grant funds for environmental investigation activities at the former South Central Terminal Refinery and Asphalt Plant located at 173 U.S. Highway 51.  The investigation will determine the extent of petroleum and/or hazardous substances contamination in surrounding soil and groundwater.  A plan to clean up the property will be formulated based upon the site investigation's findings. 

 

The 93-acre parcel sat abandoned for many years and was recently acquired by the City.  While several redevelopment possibilities are being examined, officials are contemplating using a portion of the site to complete a much-needed expansion to their current wastewater treatment facility. 

 

Brownfields Redevelopment Grants are awarded to Illinois municipalities for environmental assessment and cleanup of abandoned or underutilized properties in preparation for redevelopment.  The funding is being provided through the Illinois EPA as part of Opportunity Returns, the Governor's comprehensive, pro-active economic development plan for the Central region. 

 

"Opportunity Returns is critical to our state's economic future, and Brownfields Redevelopment Grants are an integral part of the program," said Gov. Blagojevich.  "With these Grants, communities such as Pana can prepare properties for redevelopment, which leads to more jobs and increased tax revenue.  By working together, we will help Pana and the Central region reach its economic potential."

 

During his administration, Gov. Blagojevich has been committed to improving the environment for Illinois citizens.  As part of his 2006 State of the State address, the governor proposed a plan to drastically reduce mercury emissions from power plants by 90 percent by June 30, 2009.  This ambitious plan to protect Illinois families from harmful mercury emissions will provide tougher standards than those proposed by the federal government. 

 

"This former major industrial site has remained abandoned and contaminated for many years, and the grant and partnership between IEPA and Pana will clear the way for a much-needed cleanup," said State Sen. Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville).

 

"The cleanup of this site will remove a community eyesore and hazard and open the potential for redevelopment in the future," said State Rep. Gary Hannig (D-Litchfield).

 

"More and more, as the availability of affordable land decreases, officials are looking to brownfields sites as areas to redevelop," said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott. "As a former mayor, I know first hand that assistance such as IEPA's Brownfields Grants Program can help make these developments a reality."

 

So far, 125 Illinois communities have received over $16.6 million for environmental assessments and cleanups of brownfields sites.  The program began July 1, 1998.

 

 

Gov. Blagojevich's Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois' history.  Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn't work, the governor has divided the state into 10 regions - each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges.  Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses.  It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs.  Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.

 

 

 

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