By Jim Edgar, Governor of Illinois

Governor Edgar

As governor of the State of Illinois, I am proud to be the first to introduce an enhanced version of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives' monthly consumer magazine. The new editions will feature guest commentaries addressing a variety of subjects important to the magazine's readership. I am honored to offer the first commentary for this publication.

As a former member of Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative and a current member of Menard Electric Cooperative, I also would like to extend my best wishes to fellow electric cooperative members. Electric cooperatives in Illinois touch the lives of all of our citizens and play a pivotal role in the economic and social structure of this state. Brenda and I, for example, enjoy high-quality satellite television, thanks to the services of Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative.

Electric cooperatives' efforts to help improve the way of life for those in Illinois' rural areas are commendable. Because of the support and encouragement of the electric cooperatives of Illinois, many of these activities and projects continue. I encourage the continued parallel efforts being made by the electric cooperatives and my administration that attempt to provide the best possible living conditions for citizens in rural Illinois.

Economic development — especially in rural areas — has come a long way because of the efforts of electric cooperatives around the state and, I believe, the efforts of my administration. The resolutions recently approved by the state's electric cooperatives and initiatives enacted by my administration represent a cooperation between business and government that should continue. Because issues like infrastructure, business and the environment are being addressed, Illinoisans in rural areas can reap the benefits of economic development along with metropolitan areas.

During August 1995, the electric cooperatives approved a host of resolutions dealing with issues ranging from taxation to drinking water. One resolution passed supported the efforts of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation's formation of a member task force on rural water infrastructure. The task force, composed of 12 rural electric cooperative leaders, has recommended actions to strengthen rural electric systems' ability to participate in water/ wastewater activities. This way, rural electric systems will have greater financial support to provide rural areas with adequate drinking and waste water.

In July 1995, I announced $500,000 in Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) grants to help 28 Illinois communities initiate formal planning for future improvements to public water and sewer systems. On Oct. 25, I announced $22.6 million in CDAP grants to help fund improvements to water and sewer systems in 87 communities throughout Illinois.

Infrastructure improvement is one of the cornerstones of Illinois' overall economic development policy. Our public health and safety, along with the potential for economic growth, depend on our ability to maintain adequate infrastructure systems. Through these grants and the involvement of electric cooperatives, rural communities can enjoy improvements that they both need and deserve.

While infrastructure is important to expanding business and improving living conditions in rural Illinois, protecting the environment and boosting agriculture are just as viable. The land — and thus the environment — is the lifeblood of many rural residents. It is for this reason that my administration proposed and worked to pass legislation like Conservation 2000 (Senate Bill 300) and House Bill 1490.

I hope that Illinois electric cooperatives, corporations and state government can continue to work together . . .

Over the next six years, Conservation 2000 will commit $100 million to natural resources. Initiatives of the bill include controlling soil erosion and sedimentation, fostering sustainable agriculture practices, establishing and protecting large tracts of land, expanding lake management programs, and reviewing and simplifying the state's water laws. Through this legislation, state government can help preserve Illinois' precious natural resources and develop new quality outdoor recreation opportunities.

House Bill 1490, effective this month, replaces the Illinois Grain Dealers Act, the Grain Insurance Act and the Public Warehouse and Warehouse Receipts Act with a comprehensive grain code. A consolidation of the best of existing laws and additions in appropriate areas, the law provides grain producers with more protection against losses at failed grain facilities.

As I reviewed the resolutions passed by the electric cooperatives in August, I noted that they also are committed to protecting natural resources. I actively support the electric cooperatives' encouragement of using ethanol as a fuel to reduce harmful emissions and to further develop clean coal technologies.

My administration has beer one of the most active in the country in promoting ethanol, a clean and economic alternative fuel that helps reduce reliance on foreign oil. During August, I announced a joint project with General Motors Corporation to evaluate the performance of three Chevrolet S-10 pickup trucks equipped with an engine specially designed for ethanol fuel. Half of the nation's ethanol is produced here in Illinois. Thus, we help to further develop this growing industry through partnerships with corporations like General Motors.

There are a variety of issues affecting rural economic development in Illinois. I hope that Illinois electric cooperatives, corporations and state government can continue to work together to help keep Illinois at the top of the economic ladder and a place where citizens in all areas of the state can enjoy a quality of life unequaled in the nation.

Jim Edgar, a native of Charleston, is Illinois' 38th governor. A former state representative, he was secretary of state from 1981 until his inauguration as governor in 1991.

4 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • JANUARY 1996