LWIA 23 and 26 Area Planning

The Local Workforce Innovation Area 23 and 26 Regional Planning Teams are currently working to develop drafts of their Regional Plans. The Regional Plan conveys how partners from workforce development, education, and economic development work together to best serve our communities. The Greater Wabash Region serves counties in both LWIA 23 (Crawford, Lawrence, Richland) and LWIA 26 (Edwards, Wabash, Wayne, White). To learn more about Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) and what workforce services are available in your area please visit  https://so14lwib.com/ for LWIA 26 and https://lwa23.net/ for LWIA 23.

Revolving Loan Fund

Looking to open a business? GWRPC provides low interest loans to area businesses to create or retain private sector jobs. Loans can be between $10,000 and $300,000, with one job created per every $30,000 in loan funds.

Crossville PARC

Congratulations to the Village of Crossville on being selected as a recipient of the Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act (PARC) grant program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Crossville applied for $324,047 in grant funding to supply Tiger Park with ADA-accessible sidewalks, parking spaces, and restrooms to replace outdated facilities and non-compliant walkways. The existing pavilion will be rewired to updated and increase the structure’s use, and pickleball courts will be constructed to add an additional recreation component to the park. According to a State press release, $28 million was awarded to 13 recipients in Illinois, with State funding coming from Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois Capital Program for the construction, renovation, and improvement of buildings or land purchases for public recreational opportunities. State Senator Terri Bryant said Crossville’s project and modernization of Tiger Park will creak a more vibrant and accessible recreational area that everyone can truly enjoy.

PARC Press Release

Burnt Prairie LSLI

Burnt Prairie was awarded $35,000 in the third round of the IEPA Lead Service Line Inventory to complete GIS mapping and identify lead service pipes in the community.

LSLI Press Release

Community Development Block Grants

CDBG Project Requirements

1.    Meet Low or Moderate Income Requirements

2.    Document a threat to health or safety

3.    Have the proper permits. To have the proper permits, an engineer must be hired, surveys must be completed, and permits must be submitted and received.

In order to submit a CDBG grant, the applicant must meet these criteria. Without this information, an application cannot be completed. We recommend planning for applications a year in advance to make sure the application will be completed on time. Applications were submitted this cycle for Albion, Grayville, Bridgeport, and Noble. The application process can be lengthy, so we recommend that planning a year in advance. Contact Jeff Vaughan or Mike Gill so we can get started on those applications!

Illinois DCEO Grant Opportunities

Back to Business Local Chambers

The Back to Business (B2B) Local Chambers program provides recovery grants for local chambers of commerce. Eligible local chambers of commerce are eligible to apply for $5 million in available grant funding as part of our efforts to support ongoing recovery from the negative economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. All applicants will receive a grant as long as they meet eligibility requirements, and submit proper documentation and attestations required by the program. The application can be found at the link below.

Applications are due February 15th.

B2B Local Chambers

5-County Hazard Mitigation Plan

Lawrence, Crawford, Edwards, Wabash, and Wayne counties are in the process of updating their FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plans. The University of Illinois and Greater Wabash Regional Planning are working together to coordinate community meetings, and the next meeting dates will be released soon. If you missed the kickoff meeting, meeting notes and information are available at the link below.

BOX: Hazard Mitigation Information

Assistance to Firefighters Grant

Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. Funding is available for Fire Departments, Fire Protection Districts, and non-profit EMS. If you have an interest in AFG, please contact Taegan Garner.

Applications are due March 8th.

Small Business Development Center

Michelle Brooks with SBDC will be at GWRPC the 4th Wednesday of the month from 1:00-4:00pm. SBDC offers free business advice for entrepreneurs.

IECC SBDC

Notice!

• Check your GATA accounts to make sure audits are uploaded!
• The GWRPC is now open Monday through Friday, 7:00 to 4:30!
• February 28th-29th GWRPC Team members will be out of the office for training.
• We will be closed February 19th for President's Day.