Illinois Congresswoman Bustos Encourages Local Governments to Apply for Thriving Communities Grants
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) encouraged local governments in Northwest and Central Illinois to apply for Thriving Communities program grants through the Department of Transportation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This week, the Biden administration announced that $30 million would be made available for local projects.
“Rebuilding our economy means rebuilding our communities,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “Through community project funding, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and grant opportunities like the Thriving Communities program, President Biden and Congressional Democrats are creating jobs and transforming our cities and towns for the future. I encourage local governments in Northwest and Central Illinois to take a look at this new opportunity and apply for funding.”
The Thriving Communities program will support communities working to improve health outcomes, reduce housing and transportation cost burdens, improve housing conditions, preserve or expand jobs. The program also aims to increase reliable transportation options for disadvantaged communities and households to better access health care, food, education and other essential destinations.
Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos
More information on how to submit a letter of interest to participate in the Thriving Communities program can be found here. State, local, and Tribal governments, United States territories, metropolitan planning organizations and transit agencies are eligible for assistance when applying with community partners. The program will support small, rural and tribal communities working on main street revitalization projects; suburban and urban communities in metropolitan areas working to integrate transportation with land use, housing and economic development and communities located near ports, airports, freight and rail facilities. Rural, tribal and other disadvantaged communities such as those facing persistent poverty, environmental justice, disproportionate rates of pollution or poor air quality, and historically disadvantaged communities will be prioritized for assistance and are strongly encouraged to submit a letter of interest, which must be received by December 6, 2022.
The Department of Transportation will host a series of webinars to provide more information both to interested communities and capacity builders. More information on the series can be found here.
