State Senator Donald DeWitte (R- St. Charles) is encouraging local government and economic development groups to apply for $80 million in grants that will fund major infrastructure improvements and much needed economic development.
Grants are now available through the Department of Economic Opportunity and Commerce as part of the Rebuild Illinois program approved by lawmakers last spring.
“These competitive grants are an investment in our local communities that will create jobs and offer an opportunity to repair critical infrastructure that has fallen into disrepair,” said Sen. DeWitte. “These funds help ensure that our communities can thrive for generations.”
DCEO has allocated $50 million for public infrastructure investments, $16.5 million for regional economic development projects, and $13 million for shovel-ready sites. Potential projects include improvements to waste disposal systems, gas and utility extensions, land and building acquisition, architectural planning and engineering design, demolition, among other uses.
Local governments are eligible to apply for public infrastructure grants of up to $5 million by June 30. Local governments, economic development organizations, non-profit organizations, and private companies will be eligible to apply for regional economic and shovel-ready site grants of up to $2 million on a rolling basis.
For additional information on these funds, prospective applicants can visit DCEO’s website here. Interested parties can send questions to ceo.ocd@illinois.gov or call 217-785-6174.