Communities Across Illinois Receiving Over $50 Million in Grants for Infrastructure Projects

Chicago, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch joined Governor JB Pritzker this week to announce $50.7 million in new infrastructure grants awarded to communities across Illinois. These dollars will help with vital infrastructure projects that include water treatment upgrades, road construction, ADA accessibility improvements, and more.

“These investments in our state’s infrastructure help us to rebuild a better Illinois and future for all,” said Speaker Welch. “As we work to address our aging infrastructure, we're also providing the opportunity for good-paying union jobs and continuing to help our economy recover. Most importantly, we’re doing it all through the lens of equity so we can ensure our communities that have suffered from systemic disinvestment have the opportunity to grow and prosper along with the rest of Illinois."

According to a press release from Governor Pritzker’s Office, this funding is made possible by the Rebuild Illinois Public Infrastructure (RIPI) Capital Program, the historic, bipartisan capital program, Rebuild Illinois, and a key priority outlined in Illinois’ 5-year economic plan, a blueprint to create economic growth. RIPI is one of several infrastructure programs created by the state to provide investment in aging infrastructure, as well as job opportunities for communities. In total, the Rebuild Illinois capital plan will be providing at least $3.3 billion in grants and programs for locals and businesses around the state.

“Every corner of Illinois deserves 21st century infrastructure – and Rebuild Illinois is the largest ever effort to get us there,” said Governor Pritzker. “Modernizing major throughways that underpin our status at the nation’s transportation hub is critical work, but so, too, is making the lives of working families easier. Rebuild Illinois proudly dedicates more than $3.3 billion to exactly that: renewing local roads, rebuilding sidewalks, and investing in the hubs of community life.”

The grants range in total from $343,000 to $2 million. In Speaker Welch’s district alone, projects include the Beach Street Roadway Reconstruction, which will receive $574,000, and the Hillside Washington Street Sanitary and Stormwater Sewer System Improvements, which is receiving $2 million.