U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.5 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Business Growth in Rochelle, Illinois

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.5 million grant to the city of Rochelle, Illinois, for water infrastructure upgrades to serve current and future industrial users. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This grant will construct a new water treatment building for mitigating elevated levels of iron and manganese in the municipal water supply, which are critical for ensuring businesses can access clean water. The EDA investment will be matched with $4.7 million in local funds and is expected to create or retain nearly 570 jobs and generate $1 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden’s American Rescue Plan offers direct relief to American communities as they work to build a better America for the future,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment in Rochelle will provide critical water infrastructure needed to build a robust regional economy and boost U.S. competitiveness on the global stage.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support locally-driven strategies designed to boost economic recovery efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA award will pave the way for industrial growth, new job opportunities and long-term regional economic resiliency in Ogle County.”

“Every community deserves the safety and security that stems from modern water infrastructure,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Through collaboration at every level of government, we have the ability to provide reliable access to clean water in every corner of the state. I am thankful to President Biden and Secretary Raimondo for prioritizing this action, which will be a driving force for economic growth in Rochelle for generations to come.”

“Federal American Rescue Plan funds are still flowing into projects throughout Illinois, investing in projects that drive long term economic growth in our communities to help such as tackling upgrades to their water infrastructure systems,” said Senator Dick Durbin. “This new water treatment building will make Rochelle more resilient and delivers local jobs as we pursue economic recovery and development. I will continue working to ensure every corner of Illinois has access to these federal investments to grow their economy, improve infrastructure, and deliver tangible benefits to the surrounding communities and region.”

“Everyone has a right to clean water and should be able to access it regardless of ZIP code, skin color or size of their wallet,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth. “I’m so proud that with the American Rescue Plan, water infrastructure projects like this one in Rochelle can move forward—and it’s why I worked so hard to include my Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act in the Bipartisan infrastructure Law so we can work to help ensure more folks have clean, safe water in their homes and communities.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance program, which makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to American communities. The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.