By H&R Stafft

SPRINGFIELD - The state will be releasing $1.6 million to help fertilizer suppliers to safeguard their anhydrous ammonia supply from people looking to make methamphetamine.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will release the grants that could reimburse fertilizer suppliers as much as two-thirds of the cost for improvements such as locks, security cameras and additives which make the fertilizer useless for producing meth.

Chuck Hartke, the state's agriculture director, said the anti-theft improvements also will protect people from the fertilizer, which can cause burns if it comes in contact with the skin.

State Reps. Mike Boland, D-Moline, and Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, sponsored the legislation.

The grants will be awarded the fall of 2006 and spring of 2007. The first set of grants will target counties, including Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Christian, Fulton, Greene, Hancock, Henderson, Jersey, Macoupin, Mason, Mc ;Donough, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott and Warren. These counties were among the first to experience the meth problem.

In the spring, projects statewide will be considered.

Applications forms can be obtained by calling the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Ag Products Inspection at 782-3817 or visit the agency's Web site at www.agr.state.il.us.