Applications open for $80 million in local economic development grants
Local governments have a shot at $80 million in grants to foster economic development and revitalize infrastructure in their communities, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced Tuesday.
"A healthy economy starts in our neighborhoods," said Murphy, who chairs the Senate Committee on Local Government. "These grants will empower local governments to take on projects that will create jobs, lift up communities and make a difference for Illinois families."
Through a competitive selection process, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will distribute funding to local governments to support projects that will help generate jobs, expand economic opportunity and encourage new development.
DCEO has allocated $50 million for public infrastructure investments, $16.5 million for regional economic development projects and $13 million to prepare sites for construction.
Potential projects include improvements to utility lines and waste disposal systems, land and building acquisition, and architectural planning and engineering design. DCEO emphasizes the importance of projects with long-term economic benefits for the region.
Altogether, DCEO has made more than $150 million available in Rebuild Illinois funding this year. Other grants offer support for broadband and opportunity zone investments.
"During the last administration, local projects went unsupported for years, and our Main Streets suffered. It's time for that to change," said Murphy. "When we invest in our communities, Illinoisans see benefits close to home, but the whole state gets a boost."
Applications for public infrastructure grants must be submitted by June 30, but others will be accepted on a rolling basis. Available grants, project guidelines and application materials can be found at http://bit.ly/2TVL2gq.
For additional information on these funds, prospective applicants can visit DCEO's website at http://bit.ly/39FRu1S. Interested parties can send questions to ceo.ocd@illinois.gov or call 217-785-6174.