Metropolis seeks state planning grant to prepare industrial park for future growth
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
METROPOLIS, Ill., (KBSI) — The city of Metropolis is positioned to benefit from Illinois’ Regional Site Readiness Program as state officials continue offering planning grants to help prepare sites for development.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is distributing $1.5 million in planning grants through the program’s second round. About 10 awards are expected, with each grant providing up to $150,000.
The funding is designed to support early-stage work such as site studies, due diligence and infrastructure planning, helping communities like Metropolis move properties closer to “shovel-ready” status for potential business investment.
City leaders have previously identified the Metropolis industrial park along Interstate 24 as a key area for growth, with improvements aimed at attracting new businesses and expanding job opportunities.
Applications for the current round opened Oct. 30, 2025, and will be accepted through April 30, 2026. Applicants must meet state pre-qualification requirements to be considered.
State officials said the program is part of a broader effort to strengthen local economies by preparing sites for future development and investment.
Applicants must be pre-qualified to be considered. Additional resources and application materials are available through the Regional Site Readiness Program – Capital Ready – Round 2.
