May 11, 2018

Duckworth, Durbin Announce Over $500,000 for Infrastructure Modernization in Carmi, Illinois

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced a total of $512,680 in federal funding to help make storm water infrastructure improvements to the City of Carmi’s industrial area. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), which predicts that the project will positively impact 125 jobs and spur $800,000 in private investment.

“Investments like this will help Carmi make the infrastructure improvements it needs to encourage local businesses and manufacturers to expand operations and create jobs,” Duckworth said. “I’ll continue working with Senator Durbin to help secure federal resources for rural communities across Illinois that will modernize infrastructure and strengthen local economies.”

“This federal funding will help give Carmi the tools to reach its economic goals and incentivize local investment,” Durbin said. “Senator Duckworth and I will continue working to ensure that our state’s rural communities have access to these critical federal investments that strengthen infrastructure and drive growth.”

The grant will help fund the reconstruction and modernization of Industrial Avenue (from Illinois State Route 1 to College Avenue) in Carmi’s industrial area. Since this portion of Industrial Avenue suffers from frequent flooding, the City of Carmi will also install storm sewers and drainage systems to prevent future road flooding.

The grant was also allocated by the EDA’s Public Works Program, which provides support for infrastructure improvements in economically distressed communities, allowing them to encourage business expansion, attract new industry, diversify their local economies and create private sector jobs and investment.

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