Pritzker Administration Doubles Funding for Site Readiness Program to Boost Economic Development (Chicago, IL) – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced an additional $30 million in funding for the Regional Site Readiness Program, bringing the total investment for this round to $60 million as part of a broader push to expand economic development across the state.
The program is designed to prepare sites for industrial use, making them more attractive to businesses and developers. An additional $1.5 million has also been allocated for planning grants to support early-stage work such as environmental studies and site planning.
“Site readiness is a crucial step in redevelopment that creates jobs for hardworking Illinoisans and breathes new life into communities,” Pritzker said. “By expanding the number of Illinois properties ready for development, we’re setting the stage for long-term economic growth.”
First Round of Grants Announced
State officials also unveiled the first round of Capital Ready grants totaling $25.9 million, awarded to seven projects across Illinois. These projects aim to improve infrastructure and prepare large tracts of land for future industrial development.
Among the largest awards:
- America’s Central Port (Southwest Region) received $5 million to acquire 350 acres for a rail-served industrial megasite.
- Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District (North Central Region) received $5 million for sewer line extensions serving a 250-acre site.
- City of Metropolis (Southern Region) was awarded approximately $4.8 million for road and utility improvements.
- City of Marengo (Northeast Region) received about $4.6 million for water and sewer infrastructure upgrades.
Additional funding went to projects in Olney, Ottawa, and Crawford County, supporting improvements such as water systems, road access, and land acquisition.
The state also awarded a $120,000 planning grant to the City of McHenry for environmental due diligence on a 235-acre site targeted for future industrial use.
Part of Broader $500 Million Initiative
The funding expansion is part of Pritzker’s $500 million FY2026 site readiness initiative, the largest in Illinois history. The plan includes:
- $200 million for DCEO-led site readiness programs
- $300 million for the “Surplus to Success” program, aimed at redeveloping unused state-owned properties
Officials say the initiative is intended to accelerate business investment and job creation across all 10 of Illinois’ economic development regions.
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said the investment builds on Illinois’ business climate momentum.
“By continuing to invest in our communities, we’re making sure Illinoisans are prepared for growth and the benefits of new and expanding industries reach everyone,” Stratton said.
Applications Still Open
The Regional Site Readiness Program remains open to applicants, including local governments, economic development groups, nonprofits, and private landowners. Grants are available on a rolling basis through April 30, 2026, with planning grants up to $150,000 and capital grants up to $5 million.
DCEO Director Kristin Richards said the program will help strengthen Illinois’ long-term economic pipeline.
“This additional grant funding will fuel economic growth and lead to the creation of new jobs and community revitalization throughout the state,” Richards said.
Pritzker Administration Doubles Funding for Site Readiness Program to Boost Economic Development
