Foster, Hare Announce Investment Award

Press Release

Today, Rep. Bill Foster (IL-14) and Rep. Phil Hare (IL-17) announced that the Bi-State Regional Commission in Rock Island, IL has received an investment award of $154,884 from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration.

"The funds that Rock Island has obtained from the investment award will greatly benefit our region's economy," Rep. Foster said. "Current economic conditions have caused numerous problems in our towns, villages and cities, and I am proud to announce this award because the funding will help the Bi-State Regional Commission create a long-term economic strategy for our area."

Rep. Hare said, "This grant comes at a time when our local economy is really struggling and average citizens are losing their jobs through no fault of their own. By supporting a long-term economic plan to create new jobs and bring new industries to the area, this grant helps put our region on the road to economic recovery."

"With expertise in areas such as land use planning, transportation, environmental regulation, mapping, community development, and grant administration, Bi-State staff can be a single source for the technical assistance needs of many local governments," said Bi-State executive director Denise Bulat. "Under continued EDA funding, Bi-State staff will use these skills to implement the goals and objectives outlined in our Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy."

The investment award will establish an economic development planning framework, process and strategy that supports private capital investment and job creation in the region served by the Bi-State Regional Commission, which comprises Henry, Mercer and Rock Island counties in Illinois.

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