CHICAGO – Thanks to money secured by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. through the Rebuild Illinois capital program, $40 million is coming to the area to attract new businesses and spur more economic growth in Chicago’s South Side, as well as secure new jobs for the surrounding communities.

“We talk about the rising tide lifting all boats, and the work we are doing to put Illinois on the right financial path is allowing local communities to thrive economically because of those efforts,” said State Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago).

The $40 million available grant will supercharge the development of megasites -- large, developed sites ready for occupancy for manufacturers, distribution centers, industrial centers, and more. Grants are available ranging from $250,000 to $5 million, and underserved areas will be prioritized.

The competitive grant opportunity is open to governments, private businesses, or non-profits to support site development in order to attract large-scale industrial investments in underutilized areas and former industrial sites.

“Economic development is the key to success — and this is yet another step toward continuing our state’s robust economic recovery,” said Sims.

A link to the application as well as information on a webinar regarding it on Feb. 21 - can be found here. Applications will be accepted through April 6, 2023.

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