Durbin Announces $5 Million Investment In Northwest Illinois Transportation Infrastructure
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the cities of Savanna and Rochelle, Illinois have received nearly $5 million through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants to invest in transportation infrastructure projects, boosting economic development and creating jobs throughout the region.
“Not only will this federal investment support local construction jobs, it will also encourage private investment and help attract new business to the area, spurring economic growth and creating jobs throughout the region,” Durbin said.
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.
Illinois communities receiving funding through today’s announcement include:
· Rochelle, Illinois: $3,420,601 in funding to extend a city-owned rail line and rail switch yard to support the expansion of industrial and commercial manufacturing businesses in the region. In addition, the improvements will serve as a catalyst for attracting new businesses looking to locate to the region.
· Savanna, Illinois: $1,514,521 in funding to design, engineer, and re-construct Wacker Road to accommodate heavy duty and weighted trucks, and to add a new storm water system. When completed, the new and improved Wacker Road will be re-classified by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) as a designated Truck Access Route, which will enhance the marketability of the region and its assets by enabling existing industrial businesses to expand while attracting new industrial development to the region.