$2 million grant fuels industrial park expansion

 

10/19/2011

 

The city of Ottawa has received a $1.98 million U.S. Economic Development Administration grant to develop infrastructure for the next phase of the Ottawa Industrial Park.

 

"It's a very important day for Ottawa," Mayor Robert Eschbach said Wednesday at International Titanium Powder, where the grant announcement was made. "We know we can only grow if we can provide quality jobs for people."

 

The city is pursuing development of the next 77.79 acres of the industrial park, which will include roads, water, sanitary sewer extensions, drainage and a new rail spur.

 

While there are many grant applications, Jeannette Tamayo, acting regional director of U.S. Economic Development Administration, Chicago, said federal funds are limited and competition is fierce. A strong proposal, leadership and a vision for maintaining and rebuilding economic vitality in the community earned Ottawa the grant.

"The vision that has been set forth in the application and is being funded by this project bring forth a possibility of 180 jobs, significant private investment and a substantial investment in the continued growth of this community as part of the great Chicagoland and Illinois metro region," Tamayo said.

 

Ottawa Industrial Park was established 10 years ago. The expansion will be east of the park, which is on U.S. 6, a quarter mile east of Route 71. City Engineer Dave Noble expects the city to begin the bidding process in a year and a half.

 

The grant will cover nearly half of the $4 million project. The remaining funds will be from tax increment financing revenue and Noble said the city is hopeful to find matching grants.

 

The city has been pursuing the grant for nearly five years. Before it was considered, the city needed to extend water and sewer services. The city received recovery zone bonds to achieve this and to qualify for the grant.

 

Currently, there's a city-maintained railroad spur behind ITP. Noble said another rail spur a half mile to the east will be added to provide rail access for more properties.

 

The city also recently obtained an option to purchase an adjoining farm for development, which is roughly 75 acres.

 

Eschbach thanked Nora Fesco-Ballerine and Kevin Lindeman, of North Central Illinois Council of Governments, for their efforts in receiving the grants.

 

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Manteno, commended those who worked on the grant.

 

"Ottawa has stood out as an example of a community that's very forward thinking," he said. "This is an outstanding project. I'm proud of what's coming to the city, what's coming to the county."

 

State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, also thanked Eschbach and others who made the project possible.

 

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Contact Information

Stephanie Szuda, stephanies@mywebtimes.com, 815-431-4087