Millions in funding for industrial parks in Robinson, Olney

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced an additional $30 million in funding for the Regional Site Readiness Program—bringing the total to $60 million for this round.

The announcement means millions for industrial parks in Crawford and Richland counties.

This additional funding ensures more regions throughout the state will attract industrial economic development. The program also includes an additional $1.5 million for planning grants to support due diligence activities, studies, and site plans—creating more project-ready sites that are prime for development

“Site readiness is a crucial step in redevelopment that creates jobs for hardworking Illinoisans and breathes new life into communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By expanding the number of Illinois properties ready for development, we’re setting the stage for long-term economic growth, revitalization, and opportunities for the entire state.”

“The rankings already show that Illinois is one of the best states in the country for business, and with these investments, we’re doubling down on that success,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “By continuing to invest in our communities, we’re making sure Illinoisans are prepared for growth and the benefits of new and expanding industries reach everyone. This is how we build an economy that works for all of us.” ​

Governor Pritzker and DCEO also announced the first wave of awards from the Capital Ready Regional Site Readiness Program, totaling $25.9 million to support site readiness at seven sites across Illinois. These grantees will undertake development projects to better prepare sites to attract future investment and new job opportunities across Illinois’ Economic Development Regions. 

This investment is part of Governor Pritzker’s $500 million FY2026 site readiness initiative, the most significant investment in state history to make more sites across Illinois ready for business. This includes $200 million for DCEO’s Site Ready Illinois and the Regional Site Readiness Program, designed to prepare sites across all 10 of Illinois’ Economic Development Regions to attract future investment and create new job opportunities. It also includes $300 million for the Surplus to Success program, led by Central Management Services, to prepare idle State-owned properties for private development.

“The Regional Site Readiness Program is another step forward in the progress Illinois is making to attract investment and signal the state’s commitment to growth,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “This additional grant funding will fuel economic growth and lead to the creation of new jobs and community revitalization throughout the state.” ​

The Regional Site Readiness Program recipients were selected through a competitive process that remains open to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners. Qualified entities can apply for Planning grants up to $150,000 and Capital Ready grants up to $5 million. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. If applicants have already submitted their applications to the program, there is no need to resubmit again to be considered for the additional funding—applications working their way through the review process will be considered.