CHICAGO – In his continued efforts to promote environmentally-friendly ways to expand the Illinois economy, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced almost $127,000 in funding from the Illinois Recycling Grant Program (IRGP) to LaSalle Recycling Inc. in LaSalle and Kreider Services Inc. in Dixon to increase recycling opportunities in Northwest Illinois. These recycling grants are administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and come as a part of Opportunity Returns, Gov. Blagojevich's pro-active, regional economic development strategy designed to create even more jobs and spur continued growth across the region.
“By encouraging more recycling, communities across the region are improving both our environment and our economy. These grants will go a long way in expanding the recycling industry in LaSalle and Lee counties, so it is even easier for more people to become a part of this important process. By supporting these kinds of innovative programs that are recycling everything from cans to computers, we are lessening the demand on our landfills and creating more jobs for our working families,” Gov. Blagojevich said.
Kreider Services Inc., located in Dixon, is receiving a $29,000 recycling grant to expand its existing recycling efforts. Kreider Services will add up to ten new accounts and seek additional volumes of plastic from existing customers. With this expanded effort, the project will provide meaningful training and employment for up to ten individuals with developmental disabilities. This project anticipates diverting an additional 109 tons of recyclable commodities annually. (Contact: Robert Bartles, Director of Community Programs – 815/288.6691).
LaSalle Recycling Inc. dba GW Recycling, located in LaSalle, is receiving two recycling grants totaling $97,681 for the expansion of existing collection and processing efforts. A $60,000 grant will be used to purchase a recycling collection vehicle, which will expand existing residential and commercial recycling collections. Grant funds will also assist with project related promotion and education efforts, as well as the development of a recycling drop-off site at the processing facility. A second recycling grant for $37,681 will be used for the expansion of the facility’s existing processing capabilities through the purchase of a baler. These projects are expected to divert an additional 1,000 tons of recyclable commodities from being land filled annually and create one new full-time job. (Contact: Andrew J. Bogyis, Jr., Project Manager – 815/224.8550.)
“Building our economy in a way that helps our environment can be accomplished by investing in innovative companies and programs that are making it easier and more convenient to recycle. Gov. Blagojevich and I will continue to support these efforts that are creating cleaner communities and a stronger regional economy,” said State Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley).
The goal of the IGRP is to divert recyclable commodities from Illinois landfills and to expand and enhance the recycling collection and processing infrastructure in Illinois. Funded projects also can demonstrate public economic benefits, which includes job creation and retention, and assistance to economically distressed areas.
All entities, including private businesses, local governments and not-for-profit organizations, are eligible to apply for funding. Grants are awarded for traditional recycling projects involving paper, glass, metal and plastics, and also for electronics recycling, which focuses on the development and expansion of permanent collection and processing facilities that handle end-of-life electronics and computers.
“Gov. Blagojevich understands that strategically investing in recycling is both an environmentally and economically sound decision. This is helping to turn what could have become trash into a reusable commodity that is spurring private investment and putting more and more people to work. These types of progressive partnerships are what Opportunity Returns is all about,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.
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.