(The Center Square) – An Illinois state legislator from the Metro East says it’s a Christmas miracle that U.S. Steel is reopening a furnace in Granite City.

State Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton) said the impact is going to be beyond just the 400 good-paying jobs coming back to the area after U.S. Steel announced Thursday was reopening.

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“We’re just thrilled that we think the entire region really will benefit economically from that, from increased traffic through Granite City and increased traffic and all those supporting organizations,” Elik told The Center Square.

U.S. Steel President and CEO David Burrit

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