The state of Illinois’ Governor Rod Blagojevich announced that Decatur Recycle Paper has been awarded $100,000 in Opportunity Returns funding. The money will go toward expanding the company’s operations.
The grant money is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The money for the program is obtained through funds received from the tipping fee surcharge levied at landfills in the state. Grant awards are determined on a competitive basis, and the grantee is required to provide an applicant investment of at least 50 percent of the funding required for the project.
Decatur Paper said that it plans on using the money to purchase a baler. According to press reports the baler will cost $250,000, and it is part of a new $337.000 development project for the company. The company hopes to have the baler delivered by the end of this year.