Prairie State Wire

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced $210,000 in federal funding to help create jobs and encourage economic development throughout Southern Illinois. This funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Planning Program, which assists communities as they develop and implement strategies to enhance their local economies.

“It’s important that local community and business leaders can create opportunities that bring capital and economic opportunity to Southern Illinois,” Duckworth said. “As we continue working toward a more equitable Illinois where everyone thrives, we have to help ensure that every county, town and community has the resources they need to reach that reality. I will continue working with Senator Durbin to secure additional investments that strengthen local economies across our state.”

“By establishing a robust economic development planning framework and strategy, we are laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity in Marion County,” said Durbin. “This federal funding will provide vital support to local businesses and entrepreneurs, enabling them to thrive. I’ll continue advocating for these federal investments that create opportunities and drive progress in our communities.”

Under today’s announcement, the South Central Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission (Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper and Marion counties) will receive $210,000 to develop a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) in coordination with the EDA—a process that brings the public and private sectors working together to produce a blueprint for economic prosperity that improves the quality of life for community members throughout the region.

Original source can be found here.