Grant to State Historical Site Will Increase Attendance With the Construction of a Viewing Platform That Will Allow New Access to the Public
CHICAGO – Continuing to deliver on his commitment to grow the tourism industry and create more good jobs in Southern Illinois, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced today a nearly $35,000 Tourism Attraction Development Grant for Massac County to assist in the construction of a viewing platform and interpretive panels for the Kincaid Mounds site. The grant is being administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Bureau of Tourism. The project will provide the only archaeological interpretive site along the Illinois portion of the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Illinois Bureau of Tourism Deputy Director Jan Kostner made the official announcement today with various state and local officials at Kincaid Mounds.
“Tourism is thriving today in Southern Illinois, and more and more people have taken notice of all the diverse attractions we have to offer. Kincaid Mounds is an important state historic site and a nationally significant Native American archaeological treasure. By making this kind of investment to enhance a tremendous asset like the Kincaid Mounds, we are going to attract even more visitors, who will spend more money and put more people to work,” said Gov. Blagojevich.
Kincaid Mounds is located within what is known as the Kincaid Site, which was designated in 1964 as a National Historic Landmark and listed in 1966 on the National Register of Historic Places. Preserved at the site are the remains of a number of earthen mounds that were once part of a city created by Native Americans. The state holdings contain the remains of nine mounds and a large portion of the associated village site.
“We are grateful to Gov. Blagojevich for his commitment to growing the tourism industry in a way that not only creates good jobs, but drives visitors to both large and small communities to showcase everything Southern Illinois has to offer. The tourism industry is a tremendous Southern Illinois asset, and Gov. Blagojevich is helping us attract even more visitors here," said State Senator Gary Forby (D-Benton).
“Through this grant, it will be more attractive for people from across the country to visit Metropolis and Kincaid Mounds, making an important impact on the Southern Illinois economy. People have taken notice of all the diverse attractions we have to offer in Southern Illinois. Governor Blagojevich's strategic vision for promoting Illinois is making a real difference in Southern Illinois," said State Representative Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg).
“Our appreciation goes to Gov. Blagojevich for his commitment to growing the tourism industry in a way that not only creates good jobs, but drives more visitors to Massac County. Through this grant, it will be more attractive for people from across the country to visit our city, which will make an important impact on the regional economy,” Massac County Board Chairman Jerel Childers said.
“We are grateful to Gov. Blagojevich and the Illinois Bureau of Tourism for funding this project that promises to make a huge impact on tourism to Kincaid Mounds. This grant will provide a unique and rare interpretive experience of a significant, ancient Native American mound colony that will enhance the experience and attract more visitors," Kincaid Mounds Chairperson Mary Bremer said.
"For many years, the Kincaid Mounds Support Organization has taken care of the site and made sure it is preserved for current and future generations. Governor Blagojevich and I believe they are truly the driving force behind the project being announced today," said Robert Coomer, Director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which administers Kincaid Mounds.
“The tourism industry continues to grow in importance in the Illinois economy, and we’re always working to build on our successes to attract more local, national and international tourism across our state. Gov. Blagojevich will continue making these kinds of important investments that are making a difference in Southern Illinois, adding more revenue to the local economy and helping create more good jobs,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.
In 2005, travel to Illinois directly accounted for more than 300,000 Illinois jobs, including more than 400 new jobs in 2005, that generated nearly $7.9 billion in payroll. The economic impact generated by travel spending in 2005 in Illinois grew to a record high $26.2 billion, an increase of 6.8 percent, generating $1.84 billion in state and local tax revenue, according to the Travel Industry Association of America. This added an additional $74.2 million in state and local taxes in 2005.
The expenditures made by travelers in Massac County in 2005 were more than $63 million, which was up nearly 3 percent from 2004.
“Gov. Blagojevich has made a commitment to helping communities across the state create new and better jobs through the tourism industry, and the enhancements to this state historical site will bring new visitors and put more people to work throughout Southern Illinois,” said Illinois Bureau of Tourism Deputy Director Jan Kostner.