The state has issued the first grant winners through a new community revitalization effort that includes Bloomington, Peoria and dozens of communities across Illinois.The City of Bloomington is set to receive $175,000 through the Strong Communities Program. The City of Peoria will get $200,000 and Peoria County is slated to receive $84,5000.
The Livingston County village of Dwight has been awarded $60,000.
The Pritzker administration launched the $30 million program in August as part the Rebuild Illinois capital plan.
Local governments get funding to rehab abandoned and blighted housing.
The Illinois Housing Department Authority (IHDA) announced $10 million in grants to nearly 70 communities in the first round of funding.
“We know vacant properties continue to strain budgets and resources in communities across the state, which is why IHDA is committed to helping local leaders as they foster healthy, equitable and stable neighborhoods through strategic community revitalization,” IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust said in a news release.
IHDA said the funding can be used to reimburse municipalities for acquisition, rehabilitation, and maintenance, including tree, shrub and debris removal, lot treatment, greening and other rehab costs. The funding also can be used for demolition when properties are “beyond repair and negatively impacting neighboring residences,” the agency said.
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