Major Expansion Project to Create Thousands of Jobs in Central Illinois

TUSCOLA - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by company officials to announce that Cronus Fertilizers, a much-anticipated $1.4 billion fertilizer plant, will be built in Tuscola. Following a search process that included 76 sites in nine states, Cronus has chosen Illinois to expand their business with a new facility that will create approximately 2,000 construction jobs and 175 permanent jobs.

The Cronus fertilizer plant is one of the largest private investments in central Illinois since 1988, when Mitsubishi Motors North America opened its auto factory in Normal. Governor Quinn aggressively worked to secure this investment, personally meeting with the company and mobilizing his cabinet to bring the project to Illinois. Today's announcement is part of his agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"We are proud to partner with Cronus Fertilizers as they bring their thriving and innovative business to Tuscola, Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Building this new plant here in the heartland will be a big boost for our central Illinois economy, provide a locally made product for our farm industry and create thousands of good-paying jobs. With Illinois now leading the Midwest in job creation, companies like Cronus are helping us keep the momentum going."

"After an exhaustive process, we are thrilled to bring this fertilizer plant to Illinois and look forward to working with the Tuscola community to create high-quality fertilizers for Midwestern farmers," said Erzin Atac, CEO of Cronus Chemicals LLC, which is building the plant. "Cronus Fertilizers is grateful for all the support we have received from Governor Quinn, Speaker Madigan, Representative Brown, Senator Rose, Tuscola Economic Development and numerous state and local officials who helped make this project a reality."

Illinois' central location, world-class transportation infrastructure, proximity to natural gas pipelines and a highly trained and motivated work force were key factors in Cronus' decision to locate near Tuscola.

The new Cronus fertilizer plant will be built on a 235-acre site at 765 E. U.S. Highway 36, just west of Tuscola and near Interstate 57. Production in Tuscola will help displace fertilizer products that are currently imported for the U.S. agricultural market.

The plant will produce non-flammable nitrogen-based products, specifically urea and ammonia fertilizers and diesel exhaust fluid, using natural gas as a feedstock. State-of-the-art technology will be used to minimize emissions, maximize safety and meet Illinois' stringent environmental standards.

Construction of the new plant is expected to last 33 months and support approximately 2,000 union jobs. The Illinois EPA has determined that the application for the fertilizer plant meets all applicable requirements, and has issued a construction permit to Cronus.

"Today marks the culmination of years of effort by state and local officials to put this excellent industrial site into productive use," Tuscola Mayor Daniel Kleiss said.  "We are so thankful that Cronus Chemicals has selected the Douglas County site near Tuscola, and we look forward to the tremendous positive impacts that Cronus will have on the local economy, labor market, agricultural market and tax base. Tuscola is proud to be their new home."

"The state's investment here is substantial, but it leverages one of the largest private developments ever in central Illinois," DCEO Director Adam Pollet said. "The Quinn Administration has worked with all the state's available tools to make sure this project takes place here. The plant's product will help our farmers while construction workers and nearby residents will have a new source of quality jobs."

Cronus Fertilizers will be built on a CSX Select Site, a CSX Corporation program that identifies and certifies sites that are ready for development along CSX's rail network.  CSX Select Sites meet a rigorous list of criteria, including infrastructure and utility availability, environmental reviews, appropriate zoning and entitlement, air quality permitting, rail serviceability, proximity to highways or interstates, and other attributes.

The company's $1.4 billion investment will be supported by a targeted state incentive package that includes an estimated $35 million in tax exemptions for the Tuscola site. The benefit was authorized by legislation that passed the Illinois General Assembly last spring on a bipartisan vote and was signed by Governor Quinn. The exemptions for Cronus are contingent on the plant's successful completion and operation, as well as the company meeting its targets for hiring and capital expenditures.

The project also will receive $12.3 million for road improvements through the Illinois Department of Transportation, an estimated $3.9 million in credits against the company's state income tax liability over 10 years, a $1 million grant for public infrastructure and job training grant of $78,500. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will administer the tax credits and grants.

Cronus Fertilizers is a project of Cronus Chemicals LLC, a company led by industry veterans with decades of experience in the development, manufacturing and marketing of fertilizer products. The Cronus team has successfully developed and operated fertilizer plants and other projects both in the U.S. and internationally.

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Group of Healthcare Experts to Advise State on Ebola Response Efforts

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a task force that will help ensure the public health system across Illinois is prepared for the Ebola virus. The task force was established through Executive Order with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and includes members representing health care, local public health, emergency responders, the Illinois State Board of Health, state agencies and others to further strengthen our ability to respond to Ebola. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to protect the health of the people of Illinois.

"We have learned that the best way to address the Ebola virus is to educate ourselves and know the facts," Governor Quinn said. "I have directed IDPH to assemble a task force of experts that can lead a coordinated effort to ensure everyone in Illinois receives timely and accurate information regarding any potential threat. While we have no confirmed cases, the state will take every safeguard to protect first responders, health care workers and the people of Illinois."

Two travelers - an adult and child who are not related - who arrived at Chicago's O'Hare airport yesterday are under medical evaluation following newly-established safety protocols at Chicago area hospitals and airports. The adult patient has shown no signs or symptoms of Ebola virus disease and is no longer in isolation but will continue to be monitored by hospital officials.

Though improvements have been seen, the child patient - as a result of dehydration and as an extra step of precaution - will be tested for the Ebola virus. The patient maintains a normal temperature and shows no symptoms other than one reported case of vomiting and dehydration. The IDPH laboratory will conduct the preliminary testing while another specimen is sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing.

These measures, along with steps the state and city of Chicago are taking, will help ensure the public health department is prepared in case of Ebola affecting anyone in Illinois. Last week IDPH launched an informational hotline where residents can call 1-800-889-3931 with questions or concerns regarding the Ebola virus. IDPH will continue to provide all updated CDC guidance through SIREN (State of Illinois Rapid Electronic Notification) to appropriate audiences (infection control professionals, infectious disease physicians, laboratories, local health departments, health care providers, health care facilities, EMS systems).

The advisory task force will help ensure a coordinated effort to communicate with the public and in reporting any situation that involves testing for Ebola. The task force will facilitate communication and information sharing, assist in designating treatment centers and assess our readiness and response as needed.

IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck and Deputy Governor Cristal Thomas will co-chair the task force whose members include :

Trish Anen
Vice President, Clinical Services, MCHC

Bechara Choucair, M.D.
Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health

Beth Fiorini
President, Illinois Association of Public Health Administrators (IAPHA)

John Flaherty, M.D.          
Professor in Medicine-Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University

Kiran Joshi, M.D., MPH
Senior Medical Officer, Cook County Department of Public Health

Richard M.  Novak, M.D.        
Division Chief, Infectious Diseases, University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System

Javette C. Orgain, M.D., MPH        
Chair, State Board of Health (SBOH)

Pat Schou, FACHE
Executive Director, Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN)

Susan Y. Swart, MS, RN, CAE
Executive Director, ANA-Illinois & Illinois Nurses Foundation

Alexander Tomich, DNP, RN, CIC          
Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Rush University Medical Center

Michael Wahl, M.D.                          
Director/Medical Director, Illinois Poison Center/MCHC

Stephen Weber, M.D.     
Chief Medical Officer, Infectious Disease, The University of Chicago Medicine

Maryjane A. Wurth
President & Chief Executive Officer, Illinois Hospital Association

"Protecting the public from illness and disease is a core public health function and we work continuously with our partners to be prepared to handle any threat to the public," IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck said. "By establishing this task force we can bring key partners to the table to provide input and help us to ensure residents and hospitals across the state are informed and prepared to address Ebola."

The state is prepared to search for possible cases, implement infection control measures, support medical facilities, perform contact tracing and conduct laboratory testing. IDPH will continue to work with the CDC, local health departments, hospitals and medical facilities.

Preparedness steps IDPH has taken to prepare for a suspect or confirmed Ebola case in Illinois:

·         Provided guidance to medical providers on identifying, evaluating and testing patients.

·         Tested established public health systems to ensure contact tracing is readily available.

·         Created Ebola.illinois.gov with information for IDPH health care partners.

·         Established an Ebola informational hotline: 1-800-889-3931.

·         Completed a CDC online assessment of our emergency preparedness and response activities related to Ebola.

·         Convened conference calls with health departments and hospitals across Illinois.

For the most up to date information visit: Ebola.illinois.gov.

Improvements to Military Facility Will Benefit Illinois' Servicemembers

MILAN - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $404,500 state and federal investment to make needed improvements to the Milan Readiness Center. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward, and to make sure men and women serving our country have the facilities they need to support their mission.

"We need to make sure our state's infrastructure is properly maintained, especially when it comes to facilities used by our servicemembers," Governor Quinn said. "This work on the Milan Readiness Center will help this vital military facility supply our citizen soldiers with the training and support they need."

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning system at the armory will be upgraded, including the replacement of the exhaust system and dampers, upgrading the boiler system and replacing the system controls. The project will also upgrade the electrical distribution system, including the installation of distribution and breaker panels and new conduit as required. Loescher Heating & Air Conditioning of Freeport was the low bidder for the project at $404,500. The project will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board.

"I applaud Governor Quinn's announcement today of Illinois' investment in improvements at the Milan Readiness Center," State Representative Patrick Verschoore (D-Milan) said. "I have fought hard for any investment that will help increase the efficiency of our brave young men and woman serving in our military as well as ensure they have all the tools necessary in order to be prepared for any task they are called upon to complete."

New Facility Will Care for 200 of the Nation's Heroes

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today broke ground on the $70.5 million Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago. The 200-bed facility will be the fifth veterans' home in the state and the first in Chicago. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's longstanding commitment to honor and support the men and women who have served our nation.

"All of us on the homefront have a duty to take care of those who have borne the battle," Governor Quinn said. "More than half of Illinois' veterans live in the Chicago area, and this new facility will greatly benefit these heroes and their families. Our new veterans' home in Chicago will provide care and support for 200 of our nation's heroes and create hundreds of jobs for hardworking Illinois residents."

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has approved federal reimbursement for up to 65 percent of the eligible construction costs on the project. This means as much as $45.8 million of the construction cost could be covered by the federal government.

The five-story home will feature single occupancy rooms with private bathrooms and common areas for dining and meeting with visitors. The facility will be built to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver standards, a testament to its energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly design. The construction project will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board.

Construction will begin by early October on 7.8 acres of land at the southwest corner of Forest Preserve Drive and Oak Park Avenue. The location was selected because of its proximity to the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital and its accessibility to public transportation. Units will provide special long-term care for veterans with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Construction is scheduled for completion in mid 2016.

"The start of construction on the Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago is a great step forward," Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Acting Director Rodrigo Garcia said. "Thanks to Governor Quinn's leadership and commitment to serving those who have served, Chicago-area veterans will have a chance to access the great quality of care and the caring, patriotic environment we offer at our four existing Homes."

"There is no more important building being constructed in the state of Illinois than this one," Capital Development Board Executive Director Jim Underwood said. "We are honored to oversee the construction of this home that will care for heroes who answered the call to serve."

The Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago will be operated by IDVA, which also supervises veterans' homes in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy. IDVA also operates the Prince Home, a 15-bed permanent supportive housing facility for homeless and disabled veterans at Manteno. When completed and after recognition of the Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago, the Department will be able to receive USDVA per diem payments that will provide over one quarter of the annual operating budget of the home.