Rep. Robin Kelly Secures $4,116,279 for Economic Development in Kankakee County

This fundingwill go to the Area Jobs Development Association Inc.as part of its David Bradley Industrial Park Incubator Rehabilitation Project. This project will make substantial structural improvements including roof replacement and repairs, parking lot reconstruction, and loading dock and elevator restoration to ensure safe working conditions for current employees.

"I am delighted to support robust economic development in Kankakee County as it emerges as one of our state's fastest growing industrial hubs," said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. "I'm proud to work with my colleagues in Congress to grow our economy from the bottom up and the middle out. I'm thrilled to bring over $4 million to Kankakee County to support local manufacturing and create more opportunities for our residents to thrive."

"This space is in the heart of Kankakee County. There are more than 100 employees who work at the former Roper site, and many of them can walk or ride their bike there," said Tim Nugent, President/CEO of the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County. "This funding makes it possible for the businesses there to continue manufacturing, and possibly expand their operations, creating job security and new positions for our community. We are thrilled to receive this funding for the needed repairs at the site and are grateful for Congresswoman Kelly's continuous efforts to support our area."

"The work we're doing at the David Bradley Industrial Part Incubator is making such a positive impact on regional economic development, and it is a testament to the power of local partnerships and strategic collaboration," said Dr. Michael Boyd, Chairman of the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County. "In establishing this incubator, we've worked together to align systems of support for business owners, job seekers, and area students looking for rewarding career pathways in their own community. It's working. The results are family-sustaining jobs in our region. Congresswoman Kelly's support of these strategic initiatives signals a new era for the David Bradley Incubator and will stimulate even more economic growth and job creation in Kankakee County. We can't thank Congresswoman Kelly enough for paying attention to what's happening in Kankakee, understanding the strategies we are using, getting involved, and securing resources to support good jobs in dynamic career pathways."

###