The Governor has Invested More Than $1.7 Million for This Key Regional Project

CHICAGO – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich praised the dedication today of the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower in the Village of Hartford.  The 180-foot observation tower is a memorial to the Lewis and Clark Expedition that will capitalize on the region’s historic resources to grow the hospitality and tourism industry by bringing thousands of new visitors to the region each year.  The Governor, through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), has invested more than $1.7 million in this key regional project.

“Tourism plays a very significant role in the growth of our state’s economy and, through Opportunity Returns, we’re capitalizing on all of our tourism assets across Southwest Illinois.  The Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower is not only a superb tribute to two of our nation’s most adventurous explorers, but it will support the local economy by bringing countless new guests to the region, support local businesses and put more people to work,” Gov. Blagojevich said. 

The Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower is located near Camp Dubois, the replica camp where Lewis and Clark prepared for five months before their epic journey.  The tower complements the existing Lewis and Clark Visitor’s Center and reconstructed Camp Dubois, as well as providing visitors with a birds-eye view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

“The citizens of Hartford appreciated the work of former State Senator Evelyn Bowles and former State Representative Steve Davis, as well as the Governor, in obtaining the money over the years for this project.  Hopefully, this will enhance the tourism potential for this area,” State Senator William Haine (D-Alton) said.

“Tourism plays an important role in our region’s economy, and Gov. Blagojevich made a commitment to help it grow through his Opportunity Returns strategy.  By partnering the Village of Hartford with the State of Illinois, the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower will be an important tourism landmark for Southwest Illinois,” said State Representative Dan Beiser (D-Alton).

“Southwest Illinois and the Village of Hartford are grateful to Gov. Blagojevich for his continued commitment to this project.  We look excitedly toward the future and believe that the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower will help us build on the momentum of other Lewis and Clark tourism destinations in the area," Village of Hartford Mayor, William Moore, Jr. said.

“Through his Opportunity Returns strategy, Gov. Blagojevich has made a commitment to helping communities across Southwest Illinois create new and better jobs, and the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower is an important new destination that will bring new visitors and put more people to work throughout the region,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.

"The Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower is a perfect example of how the Blagojevich administration is using the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program to create opportunities for communities across Illinois to invest in preserving their historic transportation resources and to spur tourism and economic development," said IDOT Secretary Timothy W. Martin.
 
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.