Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2 million grant to the city of Peru, Illinois, for water infrastructure improvements to support business expansion and job growth in the region.
This grant will provide increased water and sewer access to 50 local businesses through the new North Trunk Line Deep Sewer Project. This EDA investment will be matched with $4.4 million in local funds and is expected to create 80 jobs, retain almost 900 jobs, and generate $2 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“The Biden-Harris Administration knows that infrastructure is key to building an economy that works for all Americans,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA grant will help transform and strengthen not just Illinois’ water infrastructure, but the state’s economy – creating good-paying, family-sustaining jobs along the way. That is President Biden’s ‘Investing in America’ agenda in action.”
“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally-developed strategies designed to create economic opportunity,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This strategic, place-based project will provide critical infrastructure to six counties in North Central Illinois, creating a stronger, more diverse regional economy.”
“Small towns like Peru have for too long been left out of the conversation when it comes to investing in infrastructure and job creation – something I am pleased to see the Biden-Harris administration and the EDA work to address through grants like this,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These water infrastructure improvements will have ripple effects throughout Central Illinois, building stronger communities for decades to come.”
“By modernizing Peru’s water infrastructure, we’re not only ensuring the delivery of clean, safe water to residents, but also creating an environment conducive to business expansion and job creation,” said Senator Dick Durbin. “These federal investments ensure that every community in Illinois, regardless of size or location, has the resources necessary to flourish.”
“I’m relieved that this federal investment will help improve water infrastructure across the city of Peru, creating opportunities for business expansions and more good-paying jobs as a result,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth. “Federal investments like these are just one way to help create a more equitable and resilient economy for communities in every corner of our state, and I’ll keep advocating for the resources that they need in order to grow and thrive.”
“Our community has faced serious challenges to our health system over the last year,” said Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14). “But a clean and reliable water source is so foundational for keeping our families healthy. I’m so proud to bring this federal funding for key infrastructure upgrades home to Peru, and I’ll keep working to secure resources that keep our community safe, strong, and healthy.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the North Central Illinois Council of Governments (NCICG). EDA funds NCICG to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.