by Christi Parsons
UPDATED
Illinois will soon be home to a new $1.5 billion coal generation plant, officials announced this morning.
The plant in downstate Mattoon will be a joint venture between the U.S. Department of Energy and the FutureGen Alliance, a non-profit consortium of coal producers and energy generators.
Illinois’ congressional delegation has been trying since 2003 to persuade officials to choose Illinois for the plant, which promises a significant boost for the state economy and for the state’s coal industry.
Sen. Dick Durbin, a leading champion of the project, was all over the announcement this morning.
“Downstate Illinois has the coal, the geology and the commitment needed to make this project a success,” Durbin said in a press release that came out seconds after the announcement was made. “The success today is a tribute to the community, the state and all those who worked so hard to secure the FutureGen project for Illinois.”
It doesn’t hurt the politicians who fought for it any, either. The plant will be in Rep. Tim Johnson’s downstate district. It was also a high priority for Reps. John Shimkus and Jerry Costello.