Governor Blagojevich Awards First Anhydrous Ammonia Security Grants

Governor Blagojevich awards first Anhydrous Ammonia Security Grants

Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today awarded nearly $140,000 in grants to help 35 west central Illinois agrichemical dealers prevent the theft of anhydrous ammonia, a farm fertilizer used to manufacture methamphetamine. The Governor also announced the new pilot program is being expanded statewide.

The agrichemical dealers operate 58 businesses in the region where meth, a highly addictive stimulant, was first discovered in the state. They will use the funds to tighten security at their facilities, which could involve the installation of tamper-proof locks on ammonia tanks, the purchase of lighting and video surveillance equipment, or blending of additives that render the fertilizer useless in the production of meth.

"Methamphetamine is one of the fastest growing and most addictive drugs, especially in downstate communities. It ravages users, families and households and neighborhoods where it's made and sold. These grants will help keep a key ingredient to making meth out of the hands of manufacturers," said Gov. Blagojevich.

The Anhydrous Ammonia Security Grant Initiative is a self-help program. It allows dealers to determine their own security needs and then reimburses them for up to two-thirds of the cost of their improvements.

"This is a logical next step in our fight to deter individuals who steal anhydrous ammonia to make methamphetamine" said state Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Conservation Committee). "By working with agri-businesses we can prevent the theft of anhydrous and decrease the amount of meth made."

"The fertilizer dealers in Illinois certainly appreciate the funding as well as the flexibility that the State of Illinois has provided in this security grant program," Jean Payne, President of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association said. "This program not only provides financial assistance so that ammonia dealers can purchase sophisticated security devices, special tank locks and ammonia additives, but also gives the dealers the opportunity to choose which devices will work best for their particular situation. The funds will help alleviate the economic impact of ammonia theft on the agribusiness industry as it strives to protect ammonia facilities and keep this valuable nitrogen fertilizer available and affordable to Illinois farmers."

"The pilot program intentionally targeted facilities in 21 counties where the meth problem is most acute," Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke added. "The plan now is to open the program to dealers throughout the state and award additional grants next spring when anhydrous ammonia is applied again to farm fields."

About $1.4 million is available for the second round of grants. Applications are due February 1, 2007. All Illinois businesses that sell and distribute anhydrous ammonia for agricultural purposes are eligible. Application forms and program rules can be obtained by calling the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Ag Products Inspection at (217) 782-3817 or by visiting the agency's website at www.agr.state.il.us.

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