Jackson Growth Alliance secures state grant

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) — Jackson Growth Alliance secures a $140,139 Site Readiness Grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to support future industrial development near the Southern Illinois Airport.

According to JGA, the funding will help cover engineering and due-diligence work on 88 acres of property under a transferable option in Jackson County. The organization is also contributing more than $35,000 in local matching funds.

Officials say the project is aimed at preparing a shovel-ready industrial site capable of attracting future employers and business investment.

The grant will fund infrastructure and environmental studies, utility evaluations, transportation analysis and other preliminary development work by engineering firm Horner & Shifrin.

JGA Executive Director Darrell Bryant says the investment positions Jackson County to compete for future industrial projects and job growth opportunities.

The proposed site is located near the Southern Illinois Airport, Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the Glenn Poshard Transportation Education Center.