09.24.14

Durbin Announces $3.43 Million Investment To Create Jobs and Boost Development

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (DOC) Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $3,433,547 in funding to communities throughout Southern Illinois to create jobs and aide the construction of critical infrastructure. The projects are expected to create a total of 209 local jobs.

“Not only will this federal investment support local construction jobs, it will also leverage private investment and help attract new business to the area, spurring economic growth and creating jobs throughout Southern Illinois,” Durbin said.

Under today’s announcement, the Village of Waltonville in Waltonville, Illinois will receive $1,948,500 in funding to build infrastructure needed for a new ethanol plant that will provide economic opportunity for rural communities. The project is expected to create 120 local jobs.

Also under today’s announcement, the Southern Illinois Airport Authority and the Carbondale Township Highway Department in Carbondale, Illinois will receive $1,163,019 in funding to build roadway infrastructure needed to open up the entrance of the Southern Illinois Airport to more automotive and aviation industries. The funding will also support a new High Tech Zone, which will aim to attract more small to medium sized businesses to the area. The High Tech Zone will be located near Southern Illinois University’s Transportation Center, allowing it to access the Center’s skilled labor. The project is expected to create 75 local jobs.

Lastly under today’s announcement, the Kaskaskia Regional Port District, Village of Baldwin, and Randolph County in Red Bud, Illinois will receive $322,028 in funding to construct water and road infrastructure to serve Kaskaskia Regional Port District in Baldwin, Illinois. The project is expected to create 14 local jobs.

EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States.  Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.