This page highlights Illinois agencies and other entities that are planning stimulus-related projects and programs and does not purport to represent every dollar that will be allocated to the state of Illinois. This page will be updated to reflect new projects and funding opportunities as information becomes available. Although the state does not require it, individuals and entities may submit project ideas. Submission of a project does not guarantee funding.
Current Activity:
Environmental Protection
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)intends to commit all of its Recovery Act Funds to specific projects by the end of September 2009. To date, the following money has been designated for projects:
- $177.2 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for wastewater projects
- $79.5 million from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for drinking water projects
The above monies will be allocated in the form of zero interest loans with 20 year repayment terms. Entities that are interested in applying for project loans must submit a pre-application for financial assistance to the IEPA. The pre-application is available under “Quick Links” on the IEPA's website.
The Illinois EPA has also posted a list of plans and eligible projects that have been submitted to the EPA for approval. These plans are open for public review and comments.
The Illinois EPA intends to allocate up to 20% of its Recovery Act funds to projects “that address green infrastructure, water or energy efficiency improvements or other environmentally innovative activities”. This could include such projects as installation of water meters, retrofitting or replacement of water using fixtures, fittings or appliances, the installation of systems to recycle gray water or projects to capture and reuse rainwater.
What this means for Illinois employers: If the IEPA is successful in committing all of its money by September, the next six months are going to see many opportunities for employers to get work on environmental projects in the state. The scope of occupations that stand to benefit from the work is broad.
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Education:
Preliminary numbers from the Illinois State Board of Education show the stimulus package will provide nearly $1 billion in additional funding for several existing operations and programs. As of February 19, 2009, the U.S. Department of Education had indicated the following allocations to Illinois:
- $420,148,642 for Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies for low-income populations and special education programs
- $26,515,878 for Educational Technology State Grants
- $506,479,753 for IDEA Part B Grants to States
- $18,391,411 for IDEA Part B Preschool Grants to States
Illinois is also eligible to apply for up to $2 billion under a new fund, called a State Fiscal Stabilization Fund. This money is designed to prevent reductions in critical education and other services. State Governors must apply for these funds and allocate 81.8 percent of them for education and may direct the remainder, 18.8 percent, toward other government services, which can include education.
What this means for Illinois employers: The Illinois State Board of Education cautions school superintendents and others who are responsible for planning education projects to use caution when setting their budgets. Funding amounts are likely to change for various reasons before the money is finally fixed.
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Energy:
Several grant opportunities are already available through the US Department of Energy (see Monster's Department of Energy page). Although the exact amount has not been released yet, it is certain that Illinois will be receiving additional Recovery Act funds to increase its weatherization program for low income housing. Employers interested in becoming approved contractors should visit the weatherization program for details.
What this means for Illinois employers: A major goal of the US Department of Energy is to increase the development and use of renewable energy sources and reduce the country’s dependence on traditional fossil fuel. Thus, employers who manufacture or supply environmentally friendly or energy efficient products (such as manufacturers and suppliers of products to weatherize homes and buildings) are likely to benefit. Other occupations that could see growth from Recovery Act money include researchers and scientists involved in developing new renewable energy sources, those involved in electrical upgrades and “Smart Grid” technology, and those involved in the manufacture of electrical battery components for hybrid vehicles.
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Infrastructure:
Illinois expects to receive $936 million to improve its roads, bridges, rail lines and other infrastructure. The state has already identified a number of highway improvement projects that can be implemented quickly with stimulus money already flowing into the state. Find a full list of proposed “shovel ready” projects.
For more information, see the Illinois Department of Transportation website.
What this means for Illinois employers: Construction contractors and other building companies can expect to see many opportunities for work in the coming months. Employers that supply the materials used in infrastructure construction and repair will also benefit, as will skilled and unskilled laborers, urban planning companies, surveyors and engineers, among others.
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Existing Projects (with links to bid information):
Diesel Emission Reduction Grants
- Illinois will receive between $6-12 million to retrofit busses, trucks and other forms of transportation to reduce diesel emissions. The Illinois EPA will accept applications for project involving buses, trucks and off-road equipment.
- Application forms are available.
For more information, visit the Illinois Recovery website.
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