CAIRO RECEIVES BOAT RAMP PAYMENT

CAIRO, Ill. -- The city of Cairo has received a check for $115,994 for payment of work on the Ohio River boat ramps at the 8th Street levee.

The check was one of three presented by Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar during a ceremony held recently at Pinckneyville.

"Illinois is among the top 10 boating states in the country," said Edgar. "These local projects mean improved recreational opportunities for area residents who want to spend time outdoors."

Cairo received its check for the renovation of an existing launch area on the Ohio River.

"This included a one-lane ramp, access road, parking lot improvement and maneuvering area on the river," said Mayor James Wilson, who accepted the check from Edgar.

Other communities receiving payments were Pinckneyville and Kinkaid Reeds Creek Conservancy District in Jackson County.

Pinckneyville received $111,000 for a one-lane boat launch ramp, parking lot and improved access road and maneuvering area on Pinckneyville Lake.

Kinkaid Reeds received $40,343 for renovation of a two-lane ramp and parking lot, construction of a drainage ditch and the installation of courtesy docks.

Eligible boat and canoe access projects can be awarded up to $200,000 in grant money.