WASHINGTON, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–November 29, 2011. Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that two Illinois communities will receive $3,295,419 in grant funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding was awarded through the Community Challenge Grant program which aims to spur economic development for communities by providing funding for an initiative that will create jobs and encourage local investment.
Under this announcement, the following Illinois communities will receive funding:
Village of Oak Park – $3,000,000
The Village of Oak Park, as part of a coalition of suburban communities, will be awarded $3,000,000 for the West Cook County Transit Oriented Development Strategy. This program will create or update existing comprehensive plans for five communities in west Cook County allowing them to revisit outdated zoning and infrastructure plans. Funds will also support the acquisition, development, and preservation of affordable housing near transit stops in the five communities.
City of Freeport – $295,419
The City of Freeport will be awarded $295,419 to advance the Freeport Riverfront Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Growth Initiative. This project is designed to sustainably redevelop the Downtown Riverfront, anchored by the “Rawleigh Corridor” a fourteen block redevelopment area surrounding the Rawleigh Complex. A planning and implementation process that builds on work done by the city and its community, state and federal partners will be used to revive Freeport’s urban core while growing the local economy.
Source: durbin.senate.gov
