Gov touts solar-panel assembly deal in Rockford

By Thomas V. Bona

BusinessRockford.com

Gov. Pat Quinn has arrived at Chicago Rockford International Airport as officials finalize a deal to bring a Chinese solar-panel assembly plant here.

Quinn is announcing $2 million in state aid for Wanxiang Group's project, which could eventually bring 240 well-paying jobs to Rockford. State, local and company officials are signing the final development deal for the project, and ground will be broken later this year.

"Illinois is the perfect location for companies looking to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive economy," Quinn said in a news release issued before the event. "This investment creates important jobs in the renewable-energy sector and supports a business that harnesses the sun's power, undoubtedly the best and most abundant source of renewable energy available."

Besides the state aid, city officials provided more than $1 million in tax breaks and 10 to 20 acres of free land. City and county officials also pledged to buy hundreds of thousands of dollars in solar panels to fuel local facilities. Airport officials sold 100 acres to provide room for a solar farm.

Although the governor is here to talk about good news, he also is being greeted by opposition to his plan to push through a new airport near Peotone, 40 miles south of Chicago.

Some proponents of the Rockford airport fear that money spent there could take away investment in Rockford.

Two longtime supporters of the Rockford airport showed up to Quinn's event holding signs opposed to the Peotone airport.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Tony Molinaro said earlier today, though, that Peotone — and Rockford — is needed to relieve long-term congestion at Chicago's airports. He said the FAA supports a south-suburban airport, but it won't stop sending money to Rockford as long as it keeps growing.

"We love all our children," Molinaro said.

Contact staff writer Thomas V. Bona at 815-987-1343 or tbona@rrstar.com.