Luechtefeld talks procedural moves on IYC at Murphysboro and $9 million community impact

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Several bureaucratic steps have taken place in the facility closure process relating to the Illinois Youth Center at Murphysboro, according to State Sen. Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville).

"These steps are not unusual in the closure practice. An economic impact study has been conducted for the Murphysboro facility and the public comment period is now ongoing until October 16," Luechtefeld said. "All of these steps are dictated by the Illinois State Facilities Closure Act. I need to stress that these are only procedural and actually shed more light on the entire method."

Luechtefeld notes that the recent economic impact study showed $9 million in direct, indirect and induced incomes into Murphysboro. The study also estimates that 148 jobs, direct and indirect could be lost if the facility closes. Sales tax and income tax losses are also estimated at $327,000 to local governments.

"The economists also noted the impact closures could have on the depressed economy in southern Illinois, where unemployment rates are well over 9 percent in most areas," Luechtefeld said. "According to the study, there would be greater obstacles to gain employment and relocate for all of workers involved with the Illinois Youth Center at Murphysboro."

The study was produced by the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory within the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois. It is available online at the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability Web site.

On the Senator's Web site, www.luechtefeld.senategop.org, constituents will find the latest information concerning the two facility closures. The Senator urged constituents to sign-up for e-mail updates that will be generated by his office.

The gold-colored "CHMC and IYC@M" information and the e-mail sign-up icons are located on the top-right-hand side of the Web site.