There's more good news and more grant money available to help stimulate local economies throughout Illinois.
The $50 million Rebuild Illinois Main Street and Downtown Capital Program is the latest effort to stimulate local economies in areas hit hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This first-of-its-kind program recognizes and addresses the impact of the pandemic on city centers and commercial corridors - delivering quality of life enhancements that will invite people back to Main Street, grow jobs in the community and deliver modernized infrastructure to commercial neighborhoods that have waited too long for their fair share," said Gov. JB Pritzker in a news release.
Rebuild Illinois Main Street and Downtown Capital Program is one piece of the $1.5 billion Illinois has budgeted for fiscal year 2022 to help spur economic recovery throughout the state. The Rebuild Illinois program leverages funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, which provides grants for construction and public infrastructure repair and modernization. The capital program is also designed to boost jobs.
This is an exciting time and one that municipalities in need should leverage. Here's a closer look at what qualifies for funding and what doesn't.
- Roads, parking lots and sidewalks.
- Transit, pedestrian or bicycle infrastructure.
- Broadband infrastructure.
- Water and sewer infrastructure.
- Public spaces, such as parks and plazas, including lighting and landscaping.
- Sustainable investment in or modernization of structures in disrepair.
- Mixed-use development or transit-oriented development.
- Architectural planning and engineering design.
- Site selection.
- Land and building acquisition.
- Demolition.
- Construction of buildings and structures.
- Reconstruction, improvements or expansion to buildings and structures.
- Operational or administrative expenses.
- Lease payments for rental equipment or facilities.
- Costs of staff or resident labor and material.
- Vehicle, farm equipment, boat or rolling stock purchases.
- Acquisitions or construction of temporary buildings.
While municipalities do not have to provide matching cash funds for their proposed project, doing so might improve the odds of receiving an award.
The deadline to apply for funding is Jan. 10. Don't navigate this alone. Our staff is experienced at helping municipalities apply and secure grant funding.
Rebuild Illinois Main Street and Downtown Capital Program by the numbers:
Fehr Graham is more than a standard engineering and environmental consulting firm. Our expertise in municipal funding solutions helps transform communities. Contact us to learn more about our services, or give us a call at 815.235.7643.
| Fehr Graham Senior Community Development Specialist Bridgette Stocks serves as the principal contact for all funding-related programs. She works with municipalities and state and federal agencies to obtain critical funding. She has secured more than $200 million for clients. Contact her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 815.235.7643. |