Section 810.50  Eligible Uses

Grants must be used to plan for or address the economic and social impact on the community or region of plant retirement or transition. [20 ILCS 735/10-20(g)]

a)         Eligible uses for grant funds include, but are not limited to:

1)         Research, analysis, and planning regarding economic impact reduced or ceased operations of the regional facility;

2)         Environmental remediation of sites of closed facilities and other local infrastructure improvements;

3)         Marketing of tourist and recreation opportunities;

4)         Business development initiatives to attract, expand, or retain employers;

5)         Workforce development and support for individuals displaced by closures or reduced operations, including training for skilled trades in regional industries;

6)         Investment for construction or improvement in local job training facilities;

7)         Financial assistance for unemployed, underemployed, and/or low-income residents;

8)         Public health initiatives; and

9)         Other initiatives to address the economic and social impact of reduced production or closure of regional facilities.

b)         Third-party vendors for grant writing and implementation costs, including for guidance and opportunities to apply for additional federal, State, local, and private funding resources. If the application is approved for pre-award, one-time reimbursable costs to apply for the Energy Transition Community Grant are authorized up to 3% of the award. [20 ILCS 735/10-20(i)]