Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced Wednesday that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will provide $39.5 million in grants to support economic development across the states.
The grants, $24.8 million from the Fast-Track Public Infrastructure Capital program and $14.7 million for projects in Opportunity Zones, are supported by the Rebuild Illinois capital plan and are being used as a way to speedily implement infrastructure upgrades in underserved communities in the state.
“Investments aimed toward building modern infrastructure and fostering stronger and better-connected communities are at the center of our historic $45 billion capital plan,” Pritzker said. “While COVID-19 continues to present extraordinary economic challenges – our planned infrastructure projects should not have to wait. From small communities downstate to those experiencing decades of underinvestment – these capital investments will provide an economic boost that will create jobs and spark additional community investment for years to come.”
DCEO awarded $24.8 million in capital grants for 17 construction projects as part of the Fast-Track program. The projects included utility work, street infrastructure, and playground modernization, among other things. Included in the project list were $1.4 million for a canoe launch and riverwalk in Calumet City, $1.8 million of ADA sidewalk improvements in Kankakee, and $2 million in street revitalization in Pekin.
DCEO also awarded $14.7 million in Opportunity Zone investments that will fund 10 major infrastructure projects in underserved communities across the state. When matched with private matching funds to support the development of affordable housing, community development, and commercial real estate projects, the investment totals about $30.3 million, the agency said.
Among the 2020 Opportunity Zone grants are $400,000 for the city of Dekalb for neighborhood revitalization; $1,9 million for the city of Freeport for a Streetscape Revitalization and $7.5 million for a multi-purpose sports and events center for the city of Centralia.