GALESBURG - October 26, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today joined Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider, local leaders and rail officials to announce the completion of a new $16.1 million Illinois Jobs Now! transportation infrastructure project that will dramatically improve traffic conditions in the area. The new grade separation in Galesburg eliminates the at-grade crossing along Main Street, and creates a new overpass spanning from east of Academy Street to west of Garfield Avenue and over the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe (BNSF) tracks. This collaborative endeavor between the Federal Highway Administration, State of Illinois, City of Galesburg and BSNF created or supported nearly 140 jobs, and is set to reduce traffic congestion and emissions and improve roadway and rail safety in the region. The project is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to modernize Illinois' transportation infrastructure.

"If we want to compete in the global economy, Illinois must have a world-class transportation system," Governor Quinn said. "This grade separation improvement will cut down travel times, alleviate traffic and rail congestion and improve safety in Galesburg for decades to come. Not only did this project boost the regional economy and put hundreds of people back to work, it provides a solid foundation to address traffic demands well into the 21st century."

This grade project separated the current at-grade crossing at the double set of BNSF tracks located on West Main Street by constructing a new roadway overpass for vehicles. The new West Main Street segment also consists of five lane approaches, retaining walls on overpass, new traffic signaling, street lighting and a four-lane bridge deck with additional pedestrian improvements including a safety fence, sidewalks, curb cuts, aesthetics and landscaping. In addition to reducing congestion and auto emissions from idling, the new overpass will also improve capacity and traffic flow, and prevent emergency vehicles from being delayed. Construction on the project started in July 2011.

"Today we proudly stand here to announce the successful, timely and efficient completion of the Main Street Grade Separation project, and we also want to highlight how this joint public-private partnership helped grow the local economy and greatly improve the quality of life for both travelers and residents," Secretary Schneider said. "Thanks to Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! program, this major grade separation project will undoubtedly decrease current travel times of motorists and rail commuters, improve reliability and boost logistical benefits to local businesses."

Main Street is the second busiest street in Galesburg, with nearly 100 trains utilizing the crossing at speeds of 30 miles per hour each day. Approximately 9,400 vehicles drive on West Main Street each day. Prior to the project, the average time for a vehicle to wait at a train crossing was 4-5 minutes.

"These grade separations will shave commute times and improve safety by completely separating road and rail traffic at busy railroad crossings," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).  "Transportation investment is one of the best ways to spur business development, which is why, in 2010, I secured $2.92 million in federal funding to support this project. Beginning with West Main Street today, these grade separations will allow businesses to more easily move products in and out of the area, making Galesburg a more attractive place to live and work."

"This is the day when a dream of many decades becomes reality," State Representative Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) said. "Because of the efforts of local, state and federal officials working with citizens of the community, we have built a bridge to the future - a future that improves public safety and increases economic opportunity."

This project received an investment of $14.5 million from Governor Quinn's six-year, $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program. Those funds supported $809,000 from the Federal Highway Administration and $806,150 from BSNF.

Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in state history. Of the $14 billion in the program dedicated for transportation needs, $11.3 billion has been spent on projects that have improved more than 6,600 miles of roads and more than 1,000 bridges, creating approximately 140,000 jobs from highway projects alone.

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2012 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced funding to modernize and improve the efficiency of rural electric generation and transmission systems. Several of the loans contain support for smart grid projects.

"USDA and the Obama Administration continue to fund electric projects to improve system reliability and efficiency for rural businesses and residential consumers," Vilsack said. "A strong American economy is contingent upon a strong rural economy. Infrastructure investments like these will promote job growth."

Secretary Vilsack announced in August that USDA had met its goal to finance $250 million in smart grid technologies in fiscal year 2012. Today's $107.5 million in loan guarantees includes nearly $3 million in smart grid technologies. The loan guarantees are provided by USDA Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service. USDA also funds energy conservation and renewable energy projects.

The following is a list of rural utilities that will receive USDA funding, which is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan agreement.

Arizona, California and New Mexico

• Arizona Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.: $34,028,000. Funds will be used to finance generation system improvements for the Apache Station. The loan includes $2,052,000 in environmental improvements.

Georgia

• Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation: $13,000,000. Funds will be used to serve 4,517 customers, build and improve almost 400 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements.

Iowa

• Clarke Electric Cooperative, Inc.: $4,200,000. Funds will be used to serve over 100 customers, build seven miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan includes $684,476 for storm damage restoration.

Kansas

• Kaw Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.: $8,860,000. Funds will be used to serve over 400 customers, build and improve about 100 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements.

North Dakota

• Central Power Electric Cooperative, Inc.: $5,024,000. Funds will be used to build a new headquarters facility.
• McLean Electric Cooperative, Inc.: $9,500,000. Funds will be used to serve 563 customers, build and improve over 100 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan includes $169,600 in smart grid projects.
• Northern Plains Electric Cooperative: $25,214,000. Funds will be used to serve over 500 customers, build and improve 320 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan includes $2,422,000 in smart grid projects.

Wisconsin

• Jump River Electric Cooperative, Inc.: $7,700,000. Funds will be used to serve 462 customers, build and improve 64 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan includes $314,658 in smart grid projects.

For information on Rural Development projects throughout the country, please visit the agency's new interactive web map at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RDSuccessStories.html. The map features program funding and success stories for fiscal years 2009-2011.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $174 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad is ordering all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, to honor state Senator Pat Ward, who passed away on Monday.

The governor's directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state.

Flags will be at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

Ward is survived by her husband, John Ward of West Des Moines, her daughter Chelsea Reynolds, her son, Ethan Reynolds, her step-daughter, Wendy Ward, and her-step-son, Tom Ward.

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 19, at Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines.

The U.S. flag flown over the state Capitol on the day of the funeral will be presented to Sen. Ward's family.

Help America's Farmers Grow Communities Support Local Firefighters during Fire Prevention Month

Monsanto Fund-sponsored program gives back to Iowa fire departments

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Oct. 7, 2012) - Rural communities have a fire death rate twice the national average, according to the U.S. Fire Administration and National Fire Protection Association.  Firefighters in these communities are also often less likely to have the necessary firefighting equipment and training. To help combat these challenges, the Monsanto Fund is investing in rural fire departments and helping to keep farming communities safer through America's Farmers Grow Communities^SM.

Grow Communities gives eligible farmers the chance to win a $2,500 donation for their favorite local nonprofit organization. Last year, the largest percentage of Grow Communities funding was directed to local fire departments. The Monsanto Fund invested a total of $612,500 in 245 rural fire departments across the country.

Mark Schoening, Oak Township fire chief in Mills County, Iowa, knows firsthand how impactful being selected as the winning recipient for Grow Communities for the county can be.

"This donation allowed us to buy six air tanks, which gives us triple the amount of time we can be fighting fires indoors," Schoening said.

For the third consecutive year, Grow Communities is gearing up to distribute $2,500 donations in 1,271 eligible counties across the country. Now through Nov. 30, 2012, farmers can apply online at www.growcommunities.com or call 1-877-267-3332 to apply by phone. To date, more than $7 million has been invested in rural America through Grow Communities.

"Supporting rural America is our priority," said Deborah Patterson, Monsanto Fund president. "We understand that the safety of these rural communities depends so much on the strength of its local fire department. We are proud and honored to give back to firefighters, and I am delighted to see so many farmers directing donations this way."

New this year, community members can suggest a fire department or other nonprofit organization that is in need of funding on the Grow Communities website. Farmers can review "planted ideas" and consider them in their application. To submit a nonprofit project idea that needs funding in your community, visit www.growcommunities.com by Nov. 30.

As a result of the worst drought in 50 years, more than 700 of the 1,271 Grow Communities counties have been declared natural disaster areas by the USDA. Winning farmers from these counties will have the opportunity to direct an additional $2,500 donation to a second nonprofit of their choosing to assist with community needs that have surfaced due to the drought. The Monsanto Fund will select one winner at random from each of the eligible counties and announce winning farmers and recipient nonprofits in January 2013.

America's Farmers Grow Communities highlights the important contributions farmers make every day to our society and helps them positively impact their communities. This program is part of the Monsanto Fund's overall effort to support rural America.
For more information about this program and to view the official rules, visit www.growcommunities.com.

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SIDEBAR

26 Iowa fire departments received  a total of $65,000 from America's Farmers Grow Communities in 2012, including:

·         Griswold (Cass County)

·         Tipton (Cedar County)

·         Quimby (Cherokee County)

·         Woodburn (Clarke County)

·         Webb (Clay County)

·         Welton (Clinton County)

·         Weldon (Decatur County)

·         Terrill (Dickinson County)

·         Worthington (Dubuque County)

·         Rockford (Floyd County)

·         Stratford (Hamilton County)

·         Holstein (Ida County)

·         Packwood (Jefferson County)

·         Olin (Jones County)

·         Des Moines Township (Lee County)

·         Martelle (Linn County)

·         Melbourne (Marshall County)

·         St. Ansgar Rescue (Mitchell County)

·         Sanborn (O'Brien County)

·         May City (Osceola County)

·         Deep River (Poweshiek County)

·         Eldridge (Scott County)

·         Panama (Shelby County)

·         Cambridge (Story County)

·         Gladbrook (Tama County)

·         Sharpsburg (Taylor County)

About the Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org