Danville Secures Major State Grant for Industrial Development, Despite Hyster-Yale Departure
DANVILLE, IL – In a significant move to bolster its economic future, the City of Danville has successfully secured a substantial $1.371 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). This vital funding, part of the state’s Regional Site Readiness Program, is earmarked for critical sewer infrastructure expansion to serve a prime 50-acre industrial site located at West Newell Road and Bowman Avenue. The announcement comes as the city grapples with the impending departure of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, which will cease local operations by the end of this year, taking over 200 jobs with it.
Last week in Urbana, Governor J.B. Pritzker and the DCEO unveiled the allocation of $35 million in Regional Site Readiness Program awards, distributed among 22 sites across Illinois. Danville’s award, though less than the city’s initial application for up to $1.75 million, which would have required an approximately $350,000 city match, represents a crucial investment in the community’s industrial readiness.
Initially, the proposed sewer infrastructure expansion was conceived as a key component of an incentive package designed to retain Hyster-Yale within Danville, albeit at a different local site. Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. confirmed this strategic effort, indicating the city’s proactive approach to keeping the major employer in the area. However, Hyster-Yale Group ultimately opted to relocate its operations to Indiana, marking a significant economic blow to Danville.
Despite this setback, Mayor Williams Jr. emphasized the city’s unwavering commitment to future development. “With city council support, we plan to forge ahead with the previously planned sanitary sewer extension and enterprise zone expansion to be as prepared as possible for future development,” he stated. “We also now have additional funding on hand to support the expansion of existing business in town or to assist in recruiting new business to the community.” This forward-looking perspective underscores Danville’s determination to transform challenges into opportunities.
The Regional Site Readiness Program is a cornerstone of the state’s broader strategy to enhance Illinois’ appeal for industrial projects. According to state officials, the program aims to “support communities and landowners in their site readiness planning, assessments and infrastructure improvements.” By increasing the number of sites with completed due diligence and robust utility infrastructure, Illinois seeks to improve its “speed-to-market options for industrial projects,” a critical factor in attracting new businesses and fostering economic growth.
State Senator Paul Faraci, D-Champaign, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the program’s long-term benefits. He noted that through both the Site Readiness Planning and Capital Ready grants, the state “is setting communities up for success as they seek major industrial business development projects.” This statewide initiative acknowledges the intense competition for industrial investment and aims to equip Illinois communities with the necessary tools to compete effectively.
Danville’s successful grant application, even in the wake of the Hyster-Yale departure, demonstrates a clear commitment to proactive economic development. By leveraging state resources to improve its industrial infrastructure, the city is positioning itself as a more attractive location for prospective businesses, paving the way for new job creation and economic diversification in the years to come.
