Quinn expands economic development in Quad Cities

The Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority is getting bigger.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation to increase the geographic area covered by the authority. The measure will add Jo Daviess, Carroll, Whiteside, Stephenson and Lee counties to a roster that already includes Rock Island, Henry, Knox and Mercer counties.

The additional territory means the authority's governing body will grow from 11 to 16 members.

Regional economic development authorities can spur the local economy by issuing bonds on a company's behalf. The governor's office says the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority is focused on manufacturing as well as not-for-profit and senior housing.