Illinois historic sites to get $15 million

By Kenneth Lowe | Friday, May 09, 2008

SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin this week announced Congress’ approval of a plan to send $15 million in grants to Illinois historic sites.

The money will go to the Looking For Lincoln Heritage Coalition, which has earmarked the money for central Illinois communities in 42 counties for the development of historical and tourist attractions having to do with Abraham Lincoln.

The money will be “used in the local communities to make sure they develop the resources to tell the Lincoln story,” Durbin said. “It will be used for economic development and tourism so we can draw people into those communities.”

Nicky Stratton, associate director of the coalition, said the federal money does not carry with it any requirements on what the historical sites must do.

— Kenneth Lowe