The Strong Communities Program is part of the Governor’s Rebuild Illinois capital plan.
In December the program received $10 million to distribute to communities across the state for neighborhood revitalization.
The Strong Communities Program gives grants to local government agencies to clean up abandoned and run-down properties.
The properties are renovated or demolished depending on their condition to make them desirable again and create revenue for the city.
The City of Mt. Vernon received $168,000 from the program in December and City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel says they know how they want to use the grant.
“We have a list and we have more than 30 properties on that list, so we’re going to go through that list and demolish as much as we possibly can for the $168,000,”
Strong Communities Program Distributes $10 Million Across The State
The Illinois Housing Development Authority is distributing $10 Million across the state through the Strong Communities Program.
The Strong Communities Program will distribute grants to local government agencies to renovate vacant and run-down properties and allow them to be bought to make them productive and taxable.
The grants can be used to maintain, acquire, or demolish homes while creating jobs and affordable housing.
During this round of grants Harrisburg will receive $100,000 from the program.
Harrisburg Economic and Community Development Coordinator Alex Watkins says the city has been cleaning up properties for the last few years and this is a big boost for them.
Calumet City fights blight with teardown program for abandoned homes nwitimes.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nwitimes.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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A NEW kitchen has been built at Fraser Coast Artslink, as well as additional storage, thanks to a grant from the Federal Government.
Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated Fraser Coast Artslink on its successful application from round 5 of the Stronger Communities program.
“Fraser Coast Artslink received $4017 for a much-needed upgrade of the kitchen and extra storage was also added,” Mr Pitt said.
“The Stronger Communities Program has been very successful for community groups and organisations like Fraser Coast Artslink that would otherwise struggle to fund these types of projects.
“More than 50 projects throughout the Hinkler electorate have received funding from the Stronger Communities Program.”
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STAYING sun safe will be easier for members of Burrum District Community Menâs Shed after receiving a grant from the Federal Government.
Burrum District Community Menâs Shed president John Laffin said the new shade sail was a welcome addition.
âThe improvements funded with this grant from the Stronger Communities Program means that our members can be sun-smart when they meet at the shed,â he said.
âThe shade sail proved to be a great asset on December 5 when it was used to shade our plant stall.
âFavourable remarks from members of the public at the sale reinforced the decision to install the sail.â