Aaron Schock

Washington, Sep 27 - Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) announced today that Tazewell County and the Cincinnati Township are the recipients of an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant. The grant is in the amount of $503,947.00. The grant is a continuation of economic investment – both private and public - in the region.  The EDA grant will be used for critical roadway improvements in Cincinnati Township to allow heavy truck traffic required for industrial expansion. The injection of the EDA grant into the local economy is anticipated to create 100 jobs and leverage more than $7.4 million in private investment. 

Congressman Schock has championed the development of the economic investment opportunities from the beginning as an example of how public-private partnerships can benefit a community, and today Tazewell County is continuing to see the results. Schock was on hand in February 2012 when Excel Foundry and Machine located in Pekin, Illinois made the announcement of a $15 million expansion at the foundry that makes specialty parts for mining operations. 

“This EDA investment will help further position Tazewell County for economic growth and help facilitate the delivery of manufactured goods to the marketplace,” said Congressman Aaron Schock. “Investing in infrastructure is the type of public-private partnership that incentivize local businesses to grow and expand, which in turn leads to much needed job creation. The key to moving commerce, whether its throughout Illinois or around the globe, has always centered around having a superior transportation infrastructure system in place. This investment will help fulfill that need in Central Illinois.”

“To have the community on every level rally around this project and to have the support of Congressman Schock has helped make the case for why Tazewell County was deserving of the EDA investment,” said David Zimmerman, County Board Chairman, Tazewell County Boards of Commissioners. “The public-private partnership that has developed throughout this process has strengthen our community and is helping to provide a sound economic foundation for the future.” 

“The additional investment in the roadway infrastructure is going to make all the difference when it comes meeting the demand for our products from our customers that are located around the world,” said Doug Parsons, CEO of Excel Foundry and Machine. “We have new machines coming in, we are hiring and its rewarding to know that the community is part of our progress and success. I appreciate the support from Congressman Schock for helping to see this project through.”

The project is located on Wagonseller Road which is 1.5 miles west of and parallel to Illinois Rte 29, approximately 2 miles south of the City of Pekin downtown area. The project begins at the intersection of Wagonseller Road with Townline Road on the south and extends 4 miles north to the intersection of Wagonseller Road with Manito Road. Intersection improvements at Townline Road, Shady Lane and Manito Road are also included in the project.

The objectives of the improvements to the Wagonseller Road area are to increase structural strength, improve surface smoothness (along with geometric changes) and  widen/align intersections to  provide adequate heavy truck access to the farming and industrial businesses located there. The project is needed due to the growth of the industrial facility and resultant increased traffic volumes. This program will provide for improved safety and ease of access for employers, haulers and the travelling public. 

The U.S. Economic Development Administration's investment policy is designed to establish a foundation for sustainable job growth and the building of durable regional economies throughout the United States