|
This economic development project, which is being built at the
intersection of Interstate 57 and Route 13 in Marion, will generate
about $4 million in annual economic activity for the region. The
grant funding comes as part of Opportunity Returns, Gov.
Blagojevich's comprehensive, regional economic development strategy
designed to create jobs throughout Illinois. The Illinois Finance
Authority has also been working closely with the project to line up
additional funding, including reserving IFA funds to participate in
up to $1 million in project financing. "We have been making
important strides in growing the southern Illinois economy, and
bringing baseball to Marion will certainly keep our winning streak
going," Gov. Blagojevich said. "This family-friendly tourist
attraction will pump millions of dollars every year into the local
economy while creating more jobs. Almost 2 million people live
within 90 miles of this new stadium, and I am sure that thousands of
them will be flocking to watch some great baseball at a great price.
I know we all can't wait to hear those two words that baseball fans
love -- play ball!"
The construction of the stadium will create 120 jobs. The annual
operations of the team and stadium will create about 55 full-time
jobs, employing about 150 people during the 70-game season. The team
will be marketed within a 90-mile radius of the stadium site. This
area contains more than 1.8 million people and includes the
communities of Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Evansville, Ind.; and Paducah,
Ky. In addition, the stadium site is at the intersection of
Interstate 57 and Route 13, which has more than 100,000 cars passing
daily.
Reactions from officials
"This is a great day for southern Illinois, and I want to thank
Governor Blagojevich for making this investment that will give
thousands and thousands of tourists a chance to enjoy a game or take
in a concert," said state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton. "This stadium
is going to be yet another important asset in our growing tourism
industry in southern Illinois."
"Governor Blagojevich and I believe that this is a great
investment for us to make that will pay important economic dividends
for years to come," said state Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion.
"Bringing baseball to southern Illinois will help us attract even
more tourists and more good jobs."
[to top of second column in this article]
 |
Marion will also use the stadium for Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, John A. Logan College and high school teams, as well as
for unique outdoor entertainment events such as concerts. "This
important public-private partnership was a vital component in making
this stadium our field of dreams," said Marion Mayor Bob Butler. "I
want to thank Governor Blagojevich for recognizing what bringing
baseball to southern Illinois will mean in terms of more tourists,
more revenue and more jobs." "We are very excited to see all of
the hard work by so many people in southern Illinois finally paying
off," said John Simmons, lead investor of the Southern Illinois
Baseball Group. "We especially want to thank Governor Blagojevich
and area legislators for securing the state funds to make this
project happen."
"Governor Blagojevich understands that we must continue taking
advantage of all of the assets that southern Illinois has to offer,"
said Jack Lavin, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and
Economic Opportunity. "Since tourism is such an important and
growing sector of the local economy, this investment will play a key
role in bringing more tourists who will be spending more money
throughout the region."
"This project has captured the hearts of both the public and the
private sector," said Jill Rendleman, interim executive director of
the Illinois Finance Authority. "It's a win-win for southern
Illinois."
About Opportunity Returns
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 work force, 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.
[News release] |
