SPRINGFIELD – Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Wednesday announced almost $40 million in new grants awarded for 17 capital development projects to support continued economic development across the state.

The grants will be released through an allocation of around $25 million from the Fast-Track Public Infrastructure Capital program and with an almost $15 million allocation for projects located in the Opportunity Zone.

Carbondale and Marion are among 17 construction projects receiving funding from the Fast-Track Capital Grant. Carbondale will receive just over $1.2 million to make accessibility improvements at Evergreen Park. Marion will get $2 million for maintenance building repairs.

As for Opportunity Zones, Du Quoin and Eldorado are among 10 communities that will see funding.

Du Quoin will get $17,500 for the Industrial Park Electrical Extension. The Saline Valley Conservation District in Eldorado will receive over $421,000 for the Slaker/Silo Upgrade.

The funding, supported by the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, will be used to accelerate shovel-ready public works projects as well as long-term infrastructure upgrades in underserved communities around the state.