JOLIET – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced the recipients of the second round of the Regional Site Readiness program. The City of Lockport, located in State Senator Rachel Ventura’s district, will be receiving $119,600 for infrastructure assessment and topographic surveying to serve a 146-acre industrial site.
“The Regional Site Readiness program is an investment for future development – developments that are larger than just the land they sit on,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This program invests in infrastructure and economic development that will leave a lasting impact for generations.”
The Regional Site Readiness Program aims to better prepare sites for industrial development across the state through more flexible funding to support the construction and infrastructure improvements necessary for future development. $35 million was awarded to 22 sites across the state. The program includes two competitive funding opportunities: planning grants to support due diligence activities, studies and site plans, and Capital Ready grants to support capital infrastructure improvements.
“The State’s investments in the Regional Site Readiness Program are preparing sites for business across all 10 of our Economic Development Regions,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “With double the funding available for the program, this second round of grants is supporting 30 grantees across Illinois as they ready their sites for business attraction and development.”
The City of Lockport is a two-time recipient of the Regional Site Readiness grant. They were previously awarded $3 million in 2025 for water and sewer infrastructure improvements for the 140-acre STAR innovation district.
For a full list of grantees, click here.
