Recycling Grants To Help Local Businesses Increase Efficiency and Competitiveness
CHICAGO – In his continuing efforts to promote environmentally-friendly ways of growing the Southwest Illinois economy, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced today $225,000 in Opportunity Returns grants that will fund a number of businesses and organizations who are expanding recycling throughout the region. 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 jobs and spur growth in Southwest Illinois.
“Growing our economy in a way that helps our environment can be accomplished by investing in companies and communities that are expanding the recycling industry in Southwest Illinois. 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.
Jersey County has been awarded $50,000 to expand commercial recycling collection and develop new drop-off recycling sites in Jerseyville, Fieldon, Grafton, Dow and Delhi. In addition, the county will partner with the Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC) to enhance cardboard recycling efforts. IVEDC is a not-for-profit organization providing employment opportunities for developmentally challenged individuals. This project is anticipated to divert an additional 132 tons of recyclables from being landfilled annually. It is also expected to create additional work for IVEDC clients. For additional information please contact: David Isringhausen - 618-498-5571
Phoenix Recycling & Shredding, a not-for-profit organization located in Belleville, has been selected to receive two $50,000 grants ($100,000 total) to expand both their commercial and residential recycling collection efforts. Phoenix will increase their efforts to collect recyclable commodities from residences, businesses and schools in St. Clair and Madison counties. It is expected that these projects will divert more than 200 tons of additional recyclables from being landfilled annually. For additional information please contact: Scott Rostance - 618-235-2712
The following grant comes from a newly established Electronics Recycling Program. The grant program focuses on the development and expansion of permanent collection and processing facilities that handle end-of-life computers and other electronics.
Phoenix Recycling & Shredding has also been awarded a $75,000 grant to develop a permanent site where area residents and businesses can bring old, obsolete and end-of-life electronic equipment for recycling. Phoenix Recycling and Shredding will also offer a pick-up service for customers generating significant volumes of electronics for recycling. For additional information please contact: Scott Rostance - 618-235-2712
“We should always take advantage of opportunities to grow our economy in ways that protect our environment. Gov. Blagojevich and I know these investments will pay important dividends for years to come,” State Senator Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville) said.
“Gov. Blagojevich and I are committed to supporting businesses and organizations in Belleville and throughout Southwest Illinois that are protecting our environment while creating jobs. The more we recycle, the less strain we put on our local landfills. Everybody wins by promoting more recycling,” State Senator James Clayborne (D-East St. Louis) said.
“As we continue to grow the economy and create more jobs throughout Southwest Illinois, Gov. Blagojevich and I understand we cannot leave our environmental responsibilities behind. These Opportunity Returns grants are such valuable tools because it will expand recycling programs throughout the region that are beneficial to the environment and the economy,” State Rep. Thomas Holbrook (D-Belleville) said.
“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.