IL Expedites $25 Million In Grants For Summer Construction

ILLINOIS — At his daily news conference Tuesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced $25 million in fast-track infrastructure grants will be available for planned public infrastructure projects around the state.

The state is expediting $25 million of existing Rebuild Illinois funding to local projects which are ready to begin work this summer, Pritzker said Tuesday. The grants are part of a $50 million program through Rebuild Illinois that is being expedited to help cover local projects that may have been otherwise canceled due to revenue losses.

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"This will keep key public infrastructure projects in the pipeline, and will support the return of skilled labor to job sites for the busy summer season," Pritzker said. "Starting today, local governments with shovel ready projects including school districts, townships, and other entities can apply for this funding.”

Communities can apply for multiple projects, but there is a grant limit of $5 million per applicant, according to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DECO) website.

"I encourage representatives from any community in the state to contact DCEO for assistance," Pritzker said. "Funding will be prioritized for underserved areas and projects located in opportunity zones, though all communities are eligible."

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, and applications will be accepted until June 15, or until funds run out.

“We recognize the unique challenge and burdens that COVID-19 is placing on us all, and we are taking steps to provide relief to businesses and communities,” DCEO Director Erin Guthrie said. "Through the Fast Track Public Infrastructure Grants Program, the administration will provide a much-needed boost for workers across the state as well as the critical infrastructure projects our state depends on."

“This program is about putting people back on the job now,” Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea said in a release. “We applaud Gov. Pritzker for being proactive and innovative. The return of every dollar spent on public works is another brick in rebuilding our economy – both in terms of jobs created and economic development created by improved infrastructure.”

According to a release, eligible grantees are local governments and other public entities with significant public infrastructure projects that could commence work within 90 days of receiving award notice. Fast-Track projects must meet shovel-ready criteria, as well as the minority business participation requirements of the State of Illinois' Business Enterprise Program.

These Fast Track grants accelerate a portion of an ongoing $50 million funding opportunity for public infrastructure, a release. Communities that need more time or that do not have projects that meet the shovel-ready criteria may submit an application to receive a grant for the remainder of the funds by June 30.