Gov. Pritzker Doubles Funding for Regional Site Readiness Program
April 2, 2026
CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced an additional $30 million in funding for the Regional Site Readiness Program—bringing the total to $60 million for this round. This additional funding ensures more regions throughout the state will attract industrial economic development. The program also includes an additional $1.5 million for planning grants to support due diligence activities, studies, and site plans—creating more project-ready sites that are prime for development
“Site readiness is a crucial step in redevelopment that creates jobs for hardworking Illinoisans and breathes new life into communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By expanding the number of Illinois properties ready for development, we’re setting the stage for long-term economic growth, revitalization, and opportunities for the entire state.”
“The rankings already show that Illinois is one of the best states in the country for business, and with these investments, we’re doubling down on that success,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “By continuing to invest in our communities, we’re making sure Illinoisans are prepared for growth and the benefits of new and expanding industries reach everyone. This is how we build an economy that works for all of us.”
Governor Pritzker and DCEO also announced the first wave of awards from the Capital Ready Regional Site Readiness Program, totaling $25.9 million to support site readiness at seven sites across Illinois. These grantees will undertake development projects to better prepare sites to attract future investment and new job opportunities across Illinois’ Economic Development Regions. The State has awarded one $120,000 Planning grant to the City of McHenry, allowing it to conduct environmental due diligence on 235 acres for future industrial development.
Capital Ready Grantee | Region | Award | Project Description |
America’s Central Port | Southwest | $5,000,000
| Acquisition of 350 acres to create a rail-served industrial megasite |
Bloomington Normal Water Reclamation District | North Central | $5,000,000 | Sewer line extension to serve a 250-acre industrial site |
City of Marengo | Northeast | $4,649,628 | Water and sewer infrastructure to serve a 170-acre industrial site |
City of Metropolis | Southern | $4,830,508 | Road and utility network improvements to a 113-acre Metropolis Industrial Park |
City of Olney | Southeast | $2,361,804 | Road, water, and sewer improvements at an 80-acre city-owned industrial park |
City of Ottawa | Northwest | $1,935,840
| Water main improvements to serve 200 acres at the Ottawa industrial park |
Crawford County Economic Development Association | Southeast | $2,164,842
| Acquisition of 123 acres to create the Crawford County Industrial Park |
This investment is part of Governor Pritzker’s $500 million FY2026 site readiness initiative, the most significant investment in state history to make more sites across Illinois ready for business. This includes $200 million for DCEO’s Site Ready Illinois and the Regional Site Readiness Program, designed to prepare sites across all 10 of Illinois’ Economic Development Regions to attract future investment and create new job opportunities. It also includes $300 million for the Surplus to Success program, led by Central Management Services, to prepare idle State-owned properties for private development.
“The Regional Site Readiness Program is another step forward in the progress Illinois is making to attract investment and signal the state’s commitment to growth,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “This additional grant funding will fuel economic growth and lead to the creation of new jobs and community revitalization throughout the state.”
The Regional Site Readiness Program recipients were selected through a competitive process that remains open to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners. Qualified entities can apply for Planning grants up to $150,000 and Capital Ready grants up to $5 million. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. If applicants have already submitted their applications to the program, there is no need to resubmit again to be considered for the additional funding—applications working their way through the review process will be considered.
“I'm thrilled to see the Regional Site Readiness Program attracting such great interest that the State is now offering an additional $30 million for the program,” said Senator David Koehler (D–Peoria). “Communities throughout Illinois are already benefitting from the first wave of awards, and eligible entities should apply for this funding to support site readiness activities.”
“The Capital Ready and Planning grants available through the Regional Site Readiness opportunity are essential to preparing Illinois sites for industrial economic development,” said Representative Sharon Chung (D–Bloomington). “The Bloomington Normal Water Reclamation District's Capital Ready award will greatly benefit Central Illinois, and the other awardees across Illinois' Economic Development Regions will create economic opportunity in our communities.”
“Winning large-scale, generational projects requires an economic development strategy that balances short-term adaptability and long-term growth; and that's what Illinois is doing with the Regional Site Readiness Program,” said Illinois EDC President and CEO Christy George. “It's simplifying and accelerating the site selection process for businesses and decision-makers, while setting up communities for long-term opportunity. This grant funding empowers communities and landowners with the tools to better prepare their sites for industrial development and ultimately strengthen our state's pipeline of development-ready sites.”
To view the Planning and Capital Ready NOFOs and apply for the grants, please visit the DCEO website. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance.
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