Staunton transport business plans to expand following grant-funded infrastructure work
STAUNTON – A $625,000 grant awarded to the city of Staunton for infrastructure upgrades is paving the way for a local business, TDS Transport Inc., to expand and create new jobs.
Today, state Senator Andy Manar, D–Bunker Hill, was joined by Adam Pollet, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; Staunton Mayor Craig Neuhaus; and Tom Schmidt, president of TDS Transport Inc., to announce the award and plans that will lead to the business’ expansion.
The funds made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Development will allow the city of Staunton to install water and sewer lines and build a street in a location adjacent to TDS Transport Inc.
“Infrastructure investment in downstate Illinois is key to job creation. We appreciate this investment to support small business and grow good-paying jobs right here in Macoupin County,” Manar said. “TDS Transport could have chosen to invest anywhere and we are pleased that the company continues to invest in Staunton to help our local economy.”
“TDS Transport has been in a steady growth pattern since its beginning,” TDS Transport Inc. Schmidt said. “This funding to build a new street will certainly help our company continue to grow and create new jobs here in Illinois.”
TDS Transport provides specialized transportation services to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Homeland Security and companies across the country. Headquartered in Staunton and with offices in New York, Indiana and Pennsylvania, the company employs 53 workers and expects to add 13 full-time jobs upon completion of the infrastructure improvement.
