Politics & Government
Joliet to Receive Community Stabilization Grant
The grants are aimed improving blighted areas.
Gov. Pat Quinn last week announced a $7.2 million investment that will allow communities across Illinois to clear blight and stabilize neighborhoods. The investment includes $526,000 for Will County communities. Today’s announcement is part of Governor Quinn’s commitment to stabilize neighborhoods and return vacant properties to productive use to advance the economy.
The grants come from the new Abandoned Property Program, which is administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and funded through filing fees paid by financial institutions. The program was created by legislation Quinn signed into law last year.
Will County communities and institutions receiving Abandoned Property Program funds include:
- Braidwood: $41,150
- Joliet: $75,000
- South Suburban Land Bank and Development Authority: $260,600
- Will County: $150,000
A total of 53 municipalities, counties and land banks have been approved for the first round of funding based on need, capacity, impact, budget, cost reasonableness and readiness to proceed. Eligible uses for the grants include maintaining weeds and grass, trimming trees and bushes, installing fences to protect the public, and repairing or demolishing abandoned property.
“Many areas of Will County have been hit significantly hard by the foreclosure crisis over the past several years,” State Representative Larry Walsh, Jr. (D-Elwood) said. “Initiatives to help combat this crisis by providing these grants are the kind of relief local communities have desperately needed so families and businesses throughout Will County can thrive again."
Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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