Public Infrastructure Programs
Business Development Public Infrastructure Program
Administering Agency: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IL DCEO)
Type of Benefits: Financing/Grants for Public Infrastructure
Description of Benefits:
This program provides low interest loans and grants to units of local government for public improvements on behalf of businesses undertaking expansion or relocation projects.
Allowable Use of Benefits:
Infrastructure improvements that can be funded with this program include local roads and streets, access roads, bridges, sidewalks, waste disposal systems, water and sewer line extensions, water distribution and purification facilities, sewage treatment facilities, rail and air or water port improvements, gas and electric utility extensions, public transit systems, and the development and improvement of publicly owned industrial and commercial sites.
Eligibility:
Any general purpose local government may apply to the department for funding. Funding is available only for infrastructure projects which lead directly to private sector expansion or retention activities. General infrastructure construction and renovation activities – those that lead only indirectly to job creation and retention – are not eligible for consideration. Job criteria: at least one private sector jobs should be created or retained for every $10,000 awarded.
Grant/Loan Amount:
There is no maximum amount of department funds which may be invested in one project. Typically, the department will limit its assistance to $500,000 or less.
Term:
If the funding comes through a low interest loan, the term would be 10 years (up to 20 in extenuating circumstances).
Rate:
Fixed, low or no interest rate.
For more information: Business Development Public Infrastructure Program (BDPIP)
IDOT Economic Development Program
Administering Agency: Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
Type of Benefits: Matching Funds for Public Infrastructure
Description of Benefits:
The program provides up to 50% state matching funds for eligible roadway related construction and engineering items. This program is a reimbursement of eligible costs associated with economic development projects.
Allowable Use of Benefits:
The focus of the program is on roadway related construction which leads directly to private sector expansion or retention activities. Funding will be available to construct highway facilities that provide direct access to industrial, distribution, and tourism developments. The program is designed to assist in those situations where development of these types of facilities is imminent. Funding cannot be used for land acquisition, building demolition, landscaping, sidewalks, street lighting, and utility adjustments. Projects which only improve opportunities for development or are speculative are not eligible for this program. Additionally, projects providing access to retail establishments, office parks, government facilities, or schools/universities are not eligible for this program.
Eligibility:
Local units of government may apply for funding on behalf of businesses. This is matching program so in order to secure IDOT funding, 50% of total project costs must come from local government or private sources.
For more information: Economic Development Program
IDOT Rail Freight Program
Administering Agency: Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
Type of Benefits: Financing/Grant.
Description of Benefits:
Provides capital assistance to communities, railroads, and shippers to preserve and improve rail freight service in Illinois. The program helps facilitate investments in rail service by serving as a link between interested parties and channeling government funds to projects that achieve statewide economic development.
Allowable Use of Benefits:
Rail spur extensions to industrial parks or to expanding company facility and rehabilitation of railroad tracks.
Eligibility:
The focus is on projects with greatest potential for improving access to markets and maintaining transportation cost savings, and where state participation will leverage private investment to foster permanent solutions to rail service programs. IDOT will generally provide low interest loans to finance rail improvements and, in some cases, provide grants. There are no statutory requirements for job creation or retention number; however, IDOT utilizes a benefit/cost ratio to evaluate potential projects.
For more information: Rail Freight Program (RFP)
IDOT Truck Access Program
Administering Agency: Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
Type of Benefits: Grant
Description of Benefits:
The Truck Access Route Program (TARP) is designed to help local government agencies upgrade roads to accommodate 80,000 pound trucks.
Allowable Use of Benefits:
Projects must connect to a truck route and end at another truck route or truck generator. The routes are to provide access points of loading and unloading and to facilities for food, fuel, truck repair, and driver rest.
Eligibility:
Local units of government can apply on behalf of private sector companies. IDOT will provide up to $30,000 per lane mile and $15,000 per intersection. State participation will not exceed 50% of the total construction cost or $600,000, whichever is less. There is no statutory requirement regarding job creation or retention numbers. Each project is considered on a case by case basis.
For more information: Truck Access Route Program (TARP)