Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is issuing a new specialty license plate available this year in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 attacks.

The “America Remembers” license plates were released in February and are available for purchase.

An Illinois Senate bill was signed into law by former Governor George Ryan on July 19, 2002, to designate Sept. 11 as a commemorative holiday. The bill also set up the September 11th Remembrance Fund, which gets funds directly from the purchase of “America Remembers” license plates.

“So far there have been around 200 or so plates purchased and sent out,” said Secretary of State deputy press secretary Randy Nehrt.

The new plates are available to motorists for an additional cost of $40 on top of the usual $78 fee for a new plate. For a renewal of the “America Remembers” plate, it will cost $27.

Of the $27 renewal fee, $25 will be put into the September 11th Remembrance Fund just as in the initial registration fee. The fund also will be used to cover the costs of any equipment needed to respond to acts of terrorism and other emergencies.

People who wish to purchase one of the “America Remembers” license plates can apply online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com or by calling (217) 558-6148.