Carbondale awarded $2 million grant for downtown plaza

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — The City of Carbondale has been awarded a $2 million state grant to fund the second phase of the Downtown Entertainment and Events Plaza.

The grant is part of a $10 million statewide investment to accelerate economic growth and community revitalization.

The plaza’s second phase will include a market activity pavilion, permanent restrooms and ADA-compliant parking. It will also enable the community to host ticketed events.

The city previously received over $2 million in grant funding for the plaza’s first phase, which includes a permanent stage and lawn for outdoor events.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the state-funded program aims to reverse decades of neglect and bring jobs and opportunities to communities across Illinois.