Monday, Dec. 11

Gov. Blagojevich awards grants for anhydrous ammonia security     Send a link to a friend

35 fertilizer dealers will share funds intended to deter the illicit production of methamphetamine

[DEC. 11, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich awarded nearly $140,000 in grants on Dec. 6 to help 35 west-central Illinois agrichemical dealers prevent the theft of anhydrous ammonia, a farm fertilizer used to manufacture methamphetamine. The governor also announced that the new pilot program is being expanded statewide.

The agrichemical dealers operate 58 businesses in the region where meth, a highly addictive stimulant, was first discovered in the state. They will use the funds to tighten security at their facilities, which could involve the installation of tamper-proof locks on ammonia tanks, the purchase of lighting and video surveillance equipment, or blending of additives that render the fertilizer useless in the production of meth.

"Methamphetamine is one of the fastest growing and most addictive drugs, especially in downstate communities," Blagojevich said. "It ravages users, families and households and neighborhoods where it's made and sold. These grants will help keep a key ingredient to making meth out of the hands of manufacturers."

The Anhydrous Ammonia Security Grant Initiative is a self-help program. It allows dealers to determine their own security needs and then reimburses them for up to two-thirds of the cost of their improvements.

"This is a logical next step in our fight to deter individuals who steal anhydrous ammonia to make methamphetamine," said state Sen. John Sullivan, D-Rushville, chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Conservation Committee. "By working with agribusinesses, we can prevent the theft of anhydrous and decrease the amount of meth made."

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"The fertilizer dealers in Illinois certainly appreciate the funding as well as the flexibility that the state of Illinois has provided in this security grant program," said Jean Payne, president of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association. "This program not only provides financial assistance so that ammonia dealers can purchase sophisticated security devices, special tank locks and ammonia additives, but also gives the dealers the opportunity to choose which devices will work best for their particular situation. The funds will help alleviate the economic impact of ammonia theft on the agribusiness industry as it strives to protect ammonia facilities and keep this valuable nitrogen fertilizer available and affordable to Illinois farmers."

"The pilot program intentionally targeted facilities in 21 counties where the meth problem is most acute," Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke added. "The plan now is to open the program to dealers throughout the state and award additional grants next spring when anhydrous ammonia is applied again to farm fields."

About $1.4 million is available for the second round of grants. Applications are due Feb. 1, 2007. All Illinois businesses that sell and distribute anhydrous ammonia for agricultural purposes are eligible. Application forms and program rules can be obtained by calling the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Ag Products Inspection at 217-782-3817 or by visiting www.agr.state.il.us.

Below is a complete list of grant recipients and the amount of their awards.

[News release from the governor's office]

Grant recipient

Grant amount

Facilities

County

Sunrise Ag Service Co.

$6,672.74

2

Cass

Christian County Farmers Supply Co.

$17,867.20

6

Christian

UAP Distribution, Winchester

$318.25

1

Scott

UAP Distribution, Hillview

$381.90

1

Greene

UAP Distribution, White Hall

$509.20

1

Greene

UAP Distribution, Pleasant Hill

$318.25

1

Pike

UAP Distribution, Milton

$509.20

1

Pike

UAP Distribution, Pittsfield

$254.60

1

Pike

UAP Distribution, New Canton

$700.15

1

Pike

UAP Distribution, Blandinsville

$1,340.70

1

McDonough

UAP Distribution, Sciota

$1,231.46

1

McDonough

UAP Distribution, Jacksonville

$1,675

1

Morgan

UAP Distribution, Hull

$1,919.55

1

Pike

UAP Distribution, Payson

$1,842.50

1

Adams

UAP Distribution, Fieldon

$1,184.56

1

Jersey

Farmers Elevator Co. of Lowder

$1,005

1

Sangamon

Twomey Company

$2,064.40

1

Warren

Fuller Fertilizer Inc.

$468.33

1

Hancock

Helena Chemical Co.

$3,396

1

McDonough

Shipman Elevator Co.

$7,842

1

Macoupin

Twin State Inc. (doing business as
Liqui-Grow of Roseville Inc.)

$1,252.29

1

Warren

TriCounty FS Inc.

$20,879.36

4

Jersey

Serven Fertilizer

$1,928.26

1

McDonough

Augusta Farmer Co-op Co.

$2,931.92

1

Hancock

Tarter Feed & Fertilizer

$3,750

1

Fulton

Bader Agriculture Service Inc.

$3,719.17

1

Morgan

Illinois Valley Supply LLC

$8,978.45

1

Greene

Lincoln Land FS Inc.

$5,623.33

15

Morgan

Smith Agri-Service Inc.

$3,410

1

Pike

Effingham Equity, Rosamond

$4,848.29

1

Christian

Effingham Equity, Pana

$4,861.69

1

Christian

Lemon Ag Services Inc.

$8,666.67

1

Sangamon

Logan Agri-Service Inc.

$13,116.54

1

Pike

Perry Feed & Fertilizer Inc.

$2,177.50

1

Brown

Okaw Crop Care Inc.

$1,778.85

1

Christian

Totals

$139,423.28

58

15 counties

 

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