March 01, 2018

Duckworth, Durbin Announce $210,000 for Strategic Economic Planning in Southern Illinois

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced $210,000 in federal funding to help the Southern Five Regional Planning District and Development Commission, which compromises the counties of Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski and Union, create jobs and encourage economic development. This funding is provided by the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Planning Program, which assists communities as they develop and implement plans to enhance their local economies.

“It’s important for local community and business leaders in Southern Illinois to have access to the resources they need to create a road map for job creation and economic development in the region,” Duckworth said. “These investments will go a long way towards making that road map a reality. I’m pleased to continue working closely with Senator Durbin to secure investments like these to help create jobs and strengthen local economies.”

“This federal funding will help communities throughout Southern Illinois develop and implement strategies that will promote small businesses, foster job creation and attract private investment,” Durbin said. “I will keep working with Senator Duckworth to ensure our state’s rural communities have access to these critical resources that promote innovation and competitiveness.”

The Southern Five Regional Planning District and Development Commission will be developing a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) in coordination with the EDA. The creation of the CEDS involves the public and private sectors working together to produce a blueprint for economic prosperity that improves the quality of life for community members throughout the region.