DU QUOIN — In an effort to protect tourism dollars coming into their community and into the state, the City of Du Quoin will be picking up the tab for the State of Illinois’ diesel fuel bill to keep the doors open at the Du Quoin State Fair Grounds.

Du Quoin Mayor Guy Alongi discovered over the weekend that four upcoming events at the fair grounds were at risk because the fuel supplier had cut off the state due to the budget impasse.

Alongi found that 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel would carry them through the end of the year, so he decided to spend $2,000 to purchase that fuel and insure the events would continue.

According to WPSD-TV, Alongi says the four events will bring in between $8,000 to $10,000 worth of sales tax and bed tax for the city, and if he can help it, he’s not going to let the state hold them hostage as far as their tourism dollars.

Because the amount is under $5,000, Alongi didn’t need the approval of city council, but he did specify the donation is only for diesel.