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The State has allocated $13,000,000 in Rebuild Illinois funds to the competitive Shovel Ready Sites (RISRS) program component. A grant ceiling of $2,000,000 per project has been established. Grants for less than $250,000 will not be awarded, The Governor’s Five-Year Economic Development Plan recognizes there are sites across Illinois with great economic development potential that require additional investment in order to become “shovel-ready.” Redevelopment in infill locations can use vacant buildings, parking lots, empty schools, or other underused sites for new amenities and businesses near existing neighborhoods. A minimum of $1 million of RISRS funds will be spent for brownfield redevelopment. As defined by the Environmental Protection Agency, “a brownfield is a property, the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” Applications for the Competitive RISRS component may be made at any time after the Notice of Funding Opportunity is posted and until all available funding is exhausted. See Submission Information for details.

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Illinois Public Act 101-0029, commonly known as the 2019 Capital Bill.

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The objective of this program is to provide funding for projects that entail substantial improvements to an underused site in order to make it ‘shovel ready’ for future development and investment. When the project is complete, the site must be confirmed as available for sale and/or development, has appropriate zoning, boundary survey, clear title, environmental conditions, soil conditions, and infrastructure in place or engineer-planned.

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Government Organizations; Nonprofit Organizations; For-Profit Organizations;

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS • Units of general local government recognized by the Illinois Constitution (i.e., cities, villages, townships and counties). • Local Economic Development Organizations • Local Non-Profits able to support project activities on a sufficient scale • Private Company demonstrating the ability to coordinate the project and comply with all requirements. All applicants must be registered and have completed the Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) for the current year available at: https://grants.illinois.gov/portal/ prior to application submission.

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Project Grants

Economic Development

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a) The program Guidebook and all related application materials will be available on DCEO's website. DCEO is hosting an application workshop and making an online video to guide applicants through the GATA and application processes. b) SUBMISSION INFORMATION Under the Grant Accountability & Transparency Act (GATA), all applicants must register with the State of Illinois via the “Grantee Portal” at www.grants.illinois.gov and be pre-qualified prior to submitting an application. Failure to register prior to application will result in a determination of “Do Not Fund”. All applicants should complete the application package and submit all requested material to the Department’s Springfield Office at: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Community Development 500 East Monroe Street, Mail Code: R-2 Springfield, Illinois 62701 Applications for the Shovel Ready Sites component may be made at any time after the Notice of Funding Opportunity is posted and until all available funding is exhausted. See Submission Information for details. PACKAGING YOUR APPLICATION All grant application materials must be: • Typed (except for signatures and maps) • Clipped together with a large binder clip on the top. • Contained in two brown legal-size, open-top (no foldovers with cords or ties) expandable folders (One marked “original,” and one marked “copy”) • Labeled with a 2”x 4” white label, placed in the top right-hand corner of the folder with the following information: - Name of Applicant - Rebuild Illinois Regional Economic Development - Original or Copy For Example: VILLAGE OF ABRACADABRA Shovel Ready Sites Original DO NOT USE: dividers, staples, binders, folders or other methods of containment. Submit the original and two complete copies. Include all of the following: • All Application Materials (Application Forms and documentation). Please clearly label the original. NOTE: All application materials requiring a signature from the applicant must be signed by the Chief Elected Official. c) The screening and review process for the program is designed to ensure that limited funds are awarded to communities that demonstrate the need for financial assistance and have a well-designed project. The actual number and types of awards will be subject to funding availability and the amount of each applicant's request. The Department will review all applications as follows: • Applications will be evaluated according to the Ranking Criteria described in this section of the application guide. • Applications must meet a scoring threshold of 90 points in order to be funded. Applications receiving 75 to 89 points may be considered for funding if deficiencies can be addressed that will allow the applicant to meet the 90 points threshold. • The Department reserves the right to perform a site visit. • Additional consideration will be given to ensure representation for each of DCEO's economic development regions. • All recommendations are forwarded to the Director of the Department who makes the final funding decisions. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of State Award Finalist (NOSAF) specifying terms and conditions of the grant. This will include completion of a Programmatic Risk Assessment Questionnaire (PRAQ) to be answered by the Grantee, completion of Environmentals and other state requirements, and clearance of special conditions resulting from the application review. Grantees are expected to complete all grant conditions within 90 days of the NOSAF date. Once terms are accepted, and the conditions met, the Grantee will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA) which includes information regarding the entity, grant funding, grant terms and conditions, and specific conditions assigned to the grant based on the risk assessments. In order to receive the formal Grant Agreement, the Grantee must indicate agreement to the contents of the NOSA by remitting its acceptance through the grants portal. d) Applications may be submitted any time after the Notice of Funding Opportunity is posted until funding is exhausted. e) Approval will be by merit review. The length of time between receipt of applications and approval/disapproval is dependent on the complexity of the project and the number of applications in review. f) Merit-Based Evaluation Appeal Process 1) Competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal. 2) Appeals Review Officer - The Agency Head or designee may appoint one or more Appeal Review Officers (ARO) to consider the grant-related appeals and make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee for resolution. 3) Submission of Appeal: a) An appeal must be submitted in writing in accordance with the grant application document. b) An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published. The date of publication was (Press Release date). c) The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following: i) the name and address of the appealing party, and ii) identification of the grant, and iii) a statement of reasons for the appeal. g) Renewals of this grant are not available.

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Projects will be evaluated according to the criteria noted below. • Project Impact (from Project Summary) – Total Possible = 45 points • Linkage to a Regional Economic Development Plan, Redevelopment Plan, Site Reuse Assessment or Market Study (7.5 pts.) • Identify a specific business or tenant that is anticipated to utilize the site. (2.5 pts.) • Linkage to Governor’s Five-Year Economic Plan (5 pts.) • Other Sources of Funds (5 pts) • Industry Partners (5 pts) • Minority Inclusion Plan (5 pts.) • Impact Amplification (5 pts.) • Location on an established footprint (5 pts.) • Utilization of sustainable energy practices (5 pts.) • Creation of Jobs – Total Possible = 10 points • Construction Phase – what jobs will be utilized during the construction phase of the project? 1-10 = 2 pts; 11-25 = 4 pts; 26-50 = 6 pts; 51-75 = 8 pts; 75+ = 10 pts. • Community Benefit – Total Possible = 10 points • Inclusion in an identified DCEO Underserved area = 2.5 points • Opportunity Zone – inclusion in an Opportunity Zone = 2.5 points • Inclusion in an identified Enterprise Zone, TIF, or Empowerment Zone = 2.5 points • Current Community Unemployment Rate (from IDES) .5 - .9 points above State Rate = .5 pt; 1.0 – 1.4 points above State Rate = 1 pts; 1.5 – 1.9 points above State Rate = 1.5 pts; 2.0 – 2.4 points above State Rate = 2 pts; 2.5 or more points above State Rate = 2.5 pts; • Community Support – In what ways will the community support this project? Total Possible = 15 points • Demonstration of support of local governments, regional economic development organizations, and other stakeholders and connection to regional economic plans. Total Possible = 2.5 Documentation: Letters of Support (.5 point each; maximum 2.5 points) • Financial Support of the Project from Public Funds (funds provided by a governmental body) 75% or more of project cost matched – 5 points 50 – 74.9% of project cost matched – 4 points 25 – 49.9% of project cost matched – 3 points 0.9 (minimum of $10,000 – 24.9% of project cost matched – 2 points Less than 0,9% (minimum $10,000) of project cost matched – 0 points • Financial Support of the Project from Non-Public Funds (funds provided by a foundation, endowment, corporation, not-for-profit or other non-governmental group or organization) 75% or more of project cost matched – 7.5 points 50 – 74.9% of project cost matched – 6 points 25 – 49.9% of project cost matched – 4.5 points 0.9 (minimum of $10,000 – 24.9% of project cost matched – 3 points Less than 0,9% (minimum $10,000) of project cost matched – 0 points • Project Readiness – Each application must demonstrate that the proposed project is appropriate and achievable and that all actions necessary for timely implementation of the project have been completed If the application is funded, any action not completed at the time of application will be included in the Notice of State Award Finalist (NOSAF) as a special grant condition. All applicants will start with the maximum 20 points. A deduction of 5 points will be made for each of the following items if they are applicable to the project or application and not completed: • A copy of a current (dated within five years) construction permit from the appropriate state and/or federal regulatory agencies. must be submitted. • Proof of Land Ownership/Lease – Full control of property must be documented through deed, mortgage or lease, OR Copy of an option to purchase land. (Option must include price, date option expires and seller’s signature). • Control of Right-of-Way – Full control of right-of-way must be documented either by having 100 percent of the necessary private property easements signed (see Application Forms) or by the submission of a right-of-way docket. If the Private Property Easements form, indicating 100% signed, or a Right-of-Way Docket is not submitted, or if the necessity of easements is not addressed. • Copy of Project Location Map . • Copy of Floodplain Map indicating project location. • Budget must add correctly. • The percentage goal for minority contractors must meet or exceed the percentage of minorities residing in the project’s community or target area; whichever is greatest. (Information to be provided on the Minority Benefit/Affirmative Housing Statement contained in Application Forms section). • Additional Funding o If source is a Financial Institution, the application must include a copy of the letter from the financial lending institution indicating approval of the loan, loan conditions, dollar amount, term (not to exceed 10 years, and no balloon or adjustable rate language), and rate of the loan. o If source is a Revenue Bond or General Obligation Bond, the application must include an executed Bond Inducement Resolution. o If source is the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the application must include a copy of the EPA letter approving the community’s Facilities Plan for a wastewater system project or Project Plan for a public water system project. o If source is the United States Department of Agriculture-Rural Development (USDA-RD), the application must include all pages of an approved copy of Form 1940-1. o If source is the Illinois Finance Authority, the application must include a Preliminary Resolution from IFA (to indicate approval of its funding request). o If source is Local Cash on Hand, the application must include a Resolution Committing Local Funds. It must indicate the name of fund/account in which cash is located. o If source is In-Kind Labor, the application must include a schedule detailing the employees’ activities and costs. If not submitted, or not fully met, o If source is State of Illinois Legislation for Capital Projects. There must be an Executed Grant Agreement on file; all grant conditions cleared; final Business Enterprise Program (BEP) clearance obtained (if applicable); and the initial sanctioned-percentage of funds disbursed. If not fully met, Verification of project status will be handled internally. o If multiple sources are used, all requirements for all sources must be included. Failure to do so will result in a deduction of points. • Failure to provide complete application information will result in a determination of “Do Not Fund”

A project that qualifies for a Rebuild Illinois Shovel Ready Sites grant will implement strategies to revitalize a specific area, setting the stage for future economic growth and development. • Site acquisition • Environmental site assessment (identification of potential remediation needs) • Architectural planning and engineering design • Site preparation and improvement (if not part of Remediation) • Clearance • Demolition and removal of buildings (as part of larger project and not part of Remediation) • Rehabilitation, reconstruction or improvement of existing buildings • Utility work • Other bondable activities that ready the site for reuse that are not specifically disallowed. The following are specifically identified as ineligible for grant funding: 1. Environmental remediation and clean-up activities. 2. Administration or Activity Delivery costs associated with the management of grant activities. However, reasonable Administration costs may be included as leverage/match to the grant funds. 3. Indirect costs, as this grant is funded through the Illinois Capital bill which excludes indirect costs. 4. Planning only projects (e.g., creation of regional economic development plans, downtown revitalization strategies, market studies, etc.) 5. Demolition only projects 6. Construction of buildings, or portions thereof, used predominantly for the general conduct of government (e.g., city halls, courthouses, jails, police stations). 7. General government expenses. 8. Costs of operating and maintaining public infrastructure and services (e.g., mowing parks, replacing street light bulbs). 9. Servicing or refinancing of existing debt. 10. Operational expenses. 11. Lease payments for rental of equipment or facilities. 12. Costs of staff or resident labor and material outside of project construction. 13. Expenditures to acquire or construct temporary facilities. 14. Purchase of automobiles, trucks, farm equipment, boats or rolling stock. 15. Livestock or laboratory animals. 16. Unpredictable or unusual legal expenses. 17. Costs for archaeological digs, research or exploration.

Periodic Performance Report (PPR) and Periodic Financial Report (PFR) Grantees funded under this program through this NOFO are required to submit in the format required by the Grantor, at least on a quarterly basis, the PPR and PFR electronically to their assigned grant manager. The first of such reports shall cover the first three months after the award begins. Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.207, Periodic Financial Reports shall be submitted no later than 30 calendar days following the period covered by the report. Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.328, Periodic Performance Reports shall be submitted no later than 30 calendar days following the period covered by the report. Any additional reporting requirements will be disclosed in the Notice of State Award (NOSA). Grantees are required within 60 calendar days following the end of the period of performance to submit a final closeout report in the format required by the Grantor. See 2 CFR 200.343. Monitoring Grantees funded under this program through this NOFO are subject to fiscal and programmatic monitoring visits by the Department in accordance with 2 CFR 200.336. They must have an open-door policy allowing periodic visits by Department monitors to evaluate the progress of the project and provide documentation upon request of the monitor. Program and fiscal staff will also maintain contact with the participating businesses and monitor progress and performance under the terms of the agreement(s). The Department may modify grants based on performance. Audit Grantees shall be subject to Illinois’ statewide Audit Report Review requirements. Terms of the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 USC 7501-7507), Subpart F of 2 CFR Part 200, and the audit rules set forth under the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act shall apply. (See 30 ILCS 708/65(c)

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Guidebook and application materials will be available at no cost on DCEO's website.

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500 East Monroe, Springfield IL 62701

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10/19/2021

FY 2020 : $13,000,000