CHAMPAIGN, IL – Economic development officials and local legislators are all working together to help Douglas County secure a $1.2 billion project which would have a huge economic and jobs impact on central Illinois according to State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet).
“I appreciate the efforts of Brian Moody at TEDI, Matthew Langendorf representing local labor, and other local leaders to help Douglas County land the Cronus fertilizer plant. This billion-plus dollar project has the potential to bring 2,000 construction jobs, 225 permanent jobs, and additional economic growth to our area,” Rose said. “This is a perfect example of business, labor and governmental leaders working together to help advance Illinois.”
Senator Rose’s measure, Senate Bill 1593, will allow a “carve out” for a high impact agricultural business to help lure the Cronus Chemicals fertilizer plant to Illinois. This week, a similar measure passed an Illinois House committee.
Senator Rose has previously engaged Governor Quinn’s office directly to push for efforts by the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to assist in landing Project Cronus and this past week he facilitated a high level meeting between Cronus executives and State Senate President John Cullerton’s Chief-of-Staff regarding the proposed legislation.
“This project provides an excellent opportunity for the state to compete for skilled manufacturing jobs which will benefit our growers and agriculture-related industries across the state. We believe there are expanding opportunities in chemical manufacturing and Douglas County needs the ability to provide incentives in order to encourage new companies to enhance our existing industrial complex,” said Tuscola Economic Development Director Brian Moody.
“Time is of the essence on this and I am hopeful that our meetings with legislative leaders will move this project forward. We are on a short schedule, in order to make sure that Illinois will land the plant instead of Iowa,” Rose concluded.
SB 1593 is currently assigned to the Senate Revenue Committee and is awaiting action in the coming week.