Municipal leaders should apply now for $25-million in Rebuild Illinois grant funds available through the Fast-Track Public Infrastructure program, according to local State Senator Chuck Weaver. The objective of this program is to stimulate the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 health crisis by quickly getting Illinoisans back to work on public infrastructure projects that are valuable to their communities. Applicants may apply for multiple projects, and a grant ceiling of $5,000,000 per applicant has been established. Grants for less than $500,000 will not be awarded. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Projects will be funded on a first-come, first- qualified, first-serve basis. Applications will be accepted until June 15, or until funds have been exhausted. Eligible projects include a wide range of public infrastructure improvement projects, including projects that entail new construction and/or significant renovation or improvements of:
* Publicly-owned buildings, facilities, and parks
* Publicly-owned industrial and commercial sites
* Waste disposal systems
* Water and sewer line extensions
* Water distribution and purification facilities
* Gas and electric utility extensions
* Dredging of waterways
* Rail, air, or water port improvements
* ADA-compliant sidewalks, curb and gutters
* Previously unimproved WPA streets
* Other public infrastructure capital improvements
The local Office of Community Development contact for the program is Kirk Kumerow. He can be reached at 217-558-4106 or Kirk.Kumerow@illinois.gov.