World Trade Month In Illinois By GEORGE H. RYAN, Lieutenant Governor

As chairman of the Illinois Export Council, I am happy to announce the schedule of events planned during World Trade Month, April 20-May 28, 1988. This ambitious program is designed to increase awareness of the importance of exports to our state and national economies. Coming under the theme of "Export Now: Illinois," these five weeks of activities will highlight Illinois' distinct appeal in the international marketplace.

The kickoff events will he held on April 20th and 21st in Chicago. The Illinois Conference on Small Business Exports is scheduled at the State of Illinois Center on April 20th. This year's meeting will identify major issues of concern to small businesses looking to enter the global market. Delegates will be selected from throughout the State to formulate legislative recommendations. Their past implementation record is a positive testimony to the conference and its purpose. The outlook for 1988 is encouraging.

On April 21st, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor are sponsoring a national symposium, Export Strategies for the Future: Meeting the Global Challenge. Federal, state and local economic development officials will convene at the Hotel Nikko Chicago to examine international trade initiatives. Conference sessions will focus on several key issues: financing, marketing, cultural literacy and tools for trade. Attendees will work toward the goal of exploring means of reducing the nation's disturbing foreign trade deficit.

During April 24-30, World Trade Month will feature International Education Week. Awards will be presented to those students, educators and citizens who have made outstanding contributions to their schools and communities. A rally at the State Capitol on the 28th, and a Career Day at the Illinois World Trade Center complex on the 29th will further emphasize the academic need for foreign languages, geography awareness, and international studies.

Each week of May will highlight one facet of Illinois' business climate. May 1-7 has been designated Maritime Week and is intended to focus attention on the State ports. Bound by lakes and rivers, Illinois presents unique opportunities for shipping and exporting.

Small Business Week, May 8-14, will emphasize the statewide network which can provide special assistance to businesses interested in the international market. Workshops and open houses will be offered to introduce these Trade Assistance Centers to the community.

Tourism Week, May 15-21 will highlight the importance of the state's natural, historical and cultural attractions in drawing tourists. Illinois must continue to position itself to capture more tourism trade.

World Trade Week, May 22-28 will be the grand finale of the month. The World Trade Conference, scheduled May 25, will feature the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Illinois World Trade Center in downtown Chicago.

April 1988 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 21

Various private and public sector organizations have contributed their support to World Trade Month. Many of these groups have planned local activities, which will be posted in a comprehensive Calendar of Events.

For a copy of the Calendar or further information contact Cheryl Niro at (312) 917-5220.

Have That Sinking Feeling?
Maybe AMLRC Can Help

When mine subsidence occurs, there are resources through the State to help prevent some of the hazards associated with it. "Subsidence" is the shifting and collapsing of underground coal mines, and as chairman of the Abandoned Mined Lands Reclamation Council (AMLRC), I am pleased that our agency can take measures to help alleviate some of the problems caused by this phenomenon.

Consider that this year alone, hundreds of Illinois homes and other buildings could be damaged through subsidence. And while subsidence is always a possibility once coal has been removed, it typically occurs over older mines. In fact, most such problems are caused by mines that were abandoned more than 50 years ago. It is in cases involving coal mines that were active before 1977 (the year of the passage of an important federal law on various mining issues) that the AMLRC can act to prevent collapse of buildings and associated hazards.

With some 750,000 acres of Illinois having been undermined for coal, subsidence is a real threat for many residents around the state. While the Council can not provide funding for structural repairs, it can take immediate action, usually within 24 hours, to stabilize a building in danger of collapse.

Specifically, subsidence occurs when a coal mine roof collapses or when support pillars collapse or settle, leaving behind a pit or sag in the overlying surface. Frequently subsidence will go unnoticed until the ground becomes saturated during heavy rains or snow melt, causing wet soils to loosen and sink into the mine void. The resulting subsidence may damage foundations and produce cracks in basement walls and floors, driveways, sidewalks, swimming pools and interior walls.

Since the first mine shaft was excavated in St. Clair County in 1842, more than 70 Illinois counties have been undermined, primarily for coal. Counties such as La-Salle, Grundy and Fulton to the north; Vermilion to the east; St. Clair to the west; and, Williamson, Saline and Perry to the south are heavily undermined. In fact, some areas, such as the towns of Streator and Belleville, are more than 75 percent undermined.

But coal mines operating beneath populated areas have not caused the majority of problems. Rather, the development of towns over existing mines during the 19th and 20th centuries is primarily to blame. The economic growth subsequent to World War II brought with it increased need for homes, schools, churches and shopping centers. In Illinois, many of these were built over large tracts of undermined land.

In addition to Illinois' extensive mining history, the state's geology serves to intensify the subsidence problem over abandoned mines. For example, weak bedrock layers, found directly above and beneath Illinois' coal seams, fracture relatively easily and provide poor support for mine roofs. Moreover, the soft coal found in the state deteriorates when coming into contact with air, making coal pillars (left behind as roof supports) prone to collapse. Too, loose upper layers of silt and clay weaken when wet and may aggravate structural damage.

Unfortunately, even though some subsidence prediction and prevention techniques have been developed, the problem will never be completely eliminated. But we at the AMLRC are committed to acting quickly to confine the damage and eliminate hazards associated with subsidence events. Those needing such assistance are urged to contact the Council at 618/ 692-3197 or 217/782-0588.

Additionally, anyone residing in an undermined area should consider purchasing subsidence insurance, usually available as part of a homeowner's insurance package. Coverage is available at a nominal cost, up to a maximum limit of $100,000 for damage to structures, but it does not extend to land, plants or crops.

As the warmer weather approaches, bringing with it the snow melts and heavier rains that can make a subsidence problem more readily apparent, it's important that the residents of Illinois know that resources exist for dealing with subsidence. We at the Abandoned Mined Lands Reclamation Council look forward to helping in whatever way we can in addressing the unexpected damages that can arise from this problem. •

Page 22 / Illinois Municipal Review / April 1988