PEORIA, Ill. — Peoria is receiving $1.2 million in grant money to revitalize a commercial corridor on Western Avenue and boost economic development, according to State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria).
“Many of our small businesses are still struggling to get back on their feet after the challenges of the last two years,” Koehler said.
“By bringing investment and improvement to our commercial corridors, we are laying a foundation for our businesses as they first recover and then continue to grow,” Koehler added.
The funds are coming from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Rebuild Distressed Communities program, which helps impacted small businesses repair damages and rebuild or expand, delivering long-term improvements after experiencing damages from civil unrest.
Koehler said the improvements will repair and refresh the surrounding area while increasing economic opportunities for impacted businesses.
The projects given the grants were evaluated based on project need, capacity, quality, and societal impact.
“When our local businesses thrive, our community thrives,” Koehler said. “This funding will help bring energy and life back to the parts of our city that are hurting most.”
The final round of RDC grants is providing $976,000 to 26 businesses and $7.45 million to help revitalize seven commercial corridors across the state.
