Quad Cities leaders are embracing the potential of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new $40 million megasites development grant program to grow the region as well as the state. The competitive statewide Megasites Development Program announced in Chicago on Monday, Feb. 6, is designed to supercharge development of such sites in Illinois. Under it, massive shovel-ready […]
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Quad Cities leaders are embracing the potential of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new $40 million megasites development grant program to grow the region as well as the state.
The competitive statewide Megasites Development Program announced in Chicago on Monday, Feb. 6, is designed to supercharge development of such sites in Illinois. Under it, massive shovel-ready tracts of land will be redeveloped to ensure that they are clear of environmental and physical hazards and challenges. The grants also will be used to ensure the megasites have access to the roads, utilities and other facilities that manufacturers, distribution centers, industrial centers, and other businesses require for new development.
"Major job creators are consistently looking for investment-ready sites they can get up-and-running in a short amount of time – and Illinois is home to some of the largest such sites in the country, all ripe for fresh development," the governor said. "The new Megasites investment program grants will help communities innovate their own business attraction efforts and will spur economic development in communities across our great state."
That includes in the Illinois Quad Cities, which has had a front-row seat – across the Mississippi River – for what shovel-ready megasites can bring to a community. Among the major projects attracted to the 500-acre Eastern Iowa Industrial Center (EIIC) in Davenport (an Iowa Certified Site) are: Sterilite Corporation’s manufacturing and distribution facility and a Kraft Heinz plant. Also coming to the EICC are the Amazon robotics fulfillment center and a new Fair Oaks Foods plant still under construction.
The Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, which played a key role in many of those ventures, was among those lauding the new initiative.
“We were pleased to learn of the Megasite Investment Program opportunity in Illinois,” said Julie Forsythe, senior vice president of business and economic growth for the chamber. “This could help the Quad Cities region in site development to attract large-scale manufacturers or industrial centers. The Quad Cities Chamber's Business and Economic Growth will continue to work with property and business owners, as well as local governments, to determine which site(s) would be best to apply.”
Illinois State Senator Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, also told the QCBJ, “Properly structured incentives can serve to kickstart projects. With this fund, developers will have another tool to make their vision a reality, while still being accountable to the taxpayers that make these funds available.”
He added: “This program will leverage Rock Island County’s excellent infrastructure and skilled workforce, and there are great opportunities for a developer to create good-paying jobs. The county has room to grow, and with opportunities like this, I believe we will see progress.”
Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manfucturer’s Association, is a longtime supporter of developing megasites in manufacturing-rich Illinois.
“For years, the IMA has called for lawmakers to develop shovel-ready megasites that have the infrastructure in place such as rail, utilities and roads,” he said in the wake of the governor’s announcement. “Many companies are looking at the speed and ease of constructing facilities so having these sites ready to go will increase Illinois’ ability to attract investment. We look forward to working with the governor and Intersect Illinois to create economic development opportunities.”
Funding for Mr. Pritzker’s new initiative will come from Rebuild Illinois capital improvement project dollars earmarked for infrastructure upgrades, the governor’s office said. The competitive grants are open to governments, private businesses, or nonprofits to support site development in order to attract large-scale industrial investments in underutilized areas and former industrial sites.
With sectors like clean energy and manufacturing rapidly expanding in the U.S., major job creators are looking for large, investment-ready sites to locate their growing businesses, the governor’s office said. By providing grants that enable entities to create investment ready sites, Illinois is increasing its competitiveness for large-scale investment.
"Megasites are a major draw for companies looking to locate or expand in Illinois and given our superior infrastructure and workforce there's boundless investment opportunities throughout the state," according to Kristin Richards, acting director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
"Megasites are akin to a turn-key house: move-in ready with zero hassle – which is exactly what fast-growing businesses are looking for,” she said during Monday’s news conference.
The grants for the Megasites Development Program, which is administered by the DCEO, will be issued through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and is open to private entities, non-profits, or local governments.
Grants could range from $250,000 up to $5 million, depending on the size of the site. Eligible sites must have at least 200 contiguous acres and applicants must own or have an agreement in place to acquire the property when they apply.
Eligible sites must contain at least 200 contiguous acres and applicants must own or have an agreement in place to acquire the property at the time of the application. The NOFO opportunity also requires a one-to-on capital investment match.
Underserved areas and areas located in Opportunity Zones will be given priority in the application process, which allows for the developed sites to market additional incentives to potential business prospects.
Funding awarded can be used on a variety of site development expenses, Mr. Pritzker's office said, including infrastructure expenses such as roads, electricity, water, broadband and other utilities; site development expenses like grading and drainage, rehabbing existing structures, remediation and cleanup; and land acquisition and related expenses. A link to the application - including information on an informational webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 21 - can be found here. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, April 6.
Illinois is a national leader in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution - serving as home to three of the top 10 industrial sites in the country, with the largest industrial park in America located in Elk Grove Village (2022 Business Facilities Rankings), the governor’s office said. As Illinois invests in areas in need of revitalization and further grows its economy, new megasites will serve as a major draw for job creators, Mr. Pritzker added.
Intersect Illinois, which also took part in Monday’s news conference in Chicago, also announced that it is providing hands-on support for companies looking for locations in Illinois, and it highlighted online resources including a property finder that includes more than 150 investment-ready sites in Illinois as well as a standalone guide featuring megasites above 1,000 acres –- designed for large job creators.
"As companies act on needs to ramp up large-scale production quickly, the availability of sites that can handle their requirements – from electricity, to water, to rail access – is critical to winning deals," said Intersect Illinois CEO Dan Seals. "We're fortunate to have many quality sites in Illinois and are working to make sure they are ready for companies to set up rapidly."
