CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–September 19, 2011. Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Director Warren Ribley today highlighted $4.6 million in federal funding to make infrastructure improvements in Pullman Park, located on Chicago’s south side. Awarded through the “Ike” Disaster Recovery Program, the funding will be used to make repairs to road and sewer infrastructure leading up to the Pullman Park retail site currently under development, to be anchored by a Walmart supercenter.
“This funding will help Pullman Park make much-needed repairs to flood-damaged roads and water mains,” said Governor Pat Quinn. “Projects like these build on our commitment to revitalizing communities, putting people to work and paving the way for future economic growth.”
During a groundbreaking ceremony today for the first phase of the Pullman Park retail development, Director Ribley was joined by U.S. Bank and city officials to announce a federal Ike grant for the second phase of the large economic development project.
The funding will be used to make road and infrastructure improvements to Woodlawn/Doty Avenue between 103rd Street and 106th Street. The infrastructure upgrades will strengthen and elevate the road stretch by three to four feet, which has continued to deteriorate after flooding from the storms in 2008. The funding will also support substantial sewer and water main improvements, which coupled with the road upgrades, will serve to mitigate future flooding.
“By directing federal disaster recovery funding to areas suffering one of the most significant economic downturns in recent time, we are helping communities like Pullman Park rebuild and revitalize their local economy,” said Director Ribley. “This funding will allow Pullman to make the necessary infrastructure improvements that can help attract additional retailers to an underserved community and create jobs.”
The economic development assistance comes from the state’s Ike-Disaster Recovery Program, named for Hurricane Ike, the 2008 disaster that was one of the costliest hurricanes ever to make landfall in the United States. Illinois received a total of $169 million in federal disaster funds under the Ike Recovery program to assist communities within 41 Illinois counties with their infrastructure and housing needs and recover economically.
Projects approved for Ike-economic development assistance, support both permanent and construction job creation, through funding improvements to local infrastructure, company equipment costs, and other assistance that will attract or support private companies in locating or remaining in an affected area.
Source: illinois.gov