Dixon Wins Two State of Illinois Infrastructure Grants Totaling $2,720,612
The City of Dixon has a lot to celebrate today after being awarded two State of Illinois Grants related to infrastructure: The Fast Track Capital Grant and the Opportunity Zone Grant.
Governor Pritzker announced today that Dixon would receive $1,720,612 from the Fast Track Capital Grant to add to the ongoing $3.4 million street resurfacing program, and $1 million from the Opportunity Zone Grant for infrastructure development in the recently announce 25-acre “Gateway Project.”
The current street resurfacing project will now total $5.15 million worth of street improvements, which is a record for the Dixon Community. Dixon City Manager Danny Langloss said, “Assistant City Manager / Director of Public Works Matt Heckman and his team have done a phenomenal job of putting this massive project together and are delivering like Dixon has never seen before.” Langloss added, “Even with all of the challenges of COVID-19, Dixon, it’s citizens, and our businesses continue to move forward. This is an exciting day for our community.” The additional streets to be resurfaced have already been engineered, which was part of the grant requirement. Matt Heckman said, “This project is truly shovel ready. We couldn’t be more excited with this news.”
Last month, City officials and the Lee County Industrial Development Association announced a major 25-acre development in the I-88 corridor. In partnership with XSITE Real Estate, Inc, the “Gateway Project” will have a focus on services like hotels, fueling stations, restaurants, and other outlet developments. The project is projected to produce $1 million in new annual tax revenue and 600 jobs. The City and LCIDA have been working with XSITE over the past three years. XSITE has a long history of development and success with the City in the Wal-Mart complex.
City Manager Danny Langloss said, “Our team has been very aggressive in the pursuit of grants over the past several months for our businesses and our infrastructure. We have more grant applications pending.” Langloss added, “I could not be prouder of this team. They have overcome every challenge and risen to every call to action.”
Mayor Liandro Arrellano, Jr. said, “The City of Dixon has been committed to stretching local tax dollars as far as possible. By building a great development team and planning ahead, we have consistently won grants towards roadwork, economic development, and key infrastructure goals. Today’s grants represent two more major wins, and show our community is taking exactly the right approach!”
“The tenacity of our City team continues to inspire me. The fact that we were awarded TWO grants in the face of COVID-19, speaks volumes about our organization and the progression of Dixon” added Councilwoman Mary Oros. “I’m so incredibly proud and excited for what’s to come!”