Acting on behalf of a local government, the WIRC can ensure that funding opportunities for local improvements are made known to local representatives. The WIRC staff can help a community and its local government to formulate a comprehensive plan unique to its own specific community development needs. These services, plus the assistance in the implementation of projects once funded, puts the WIRC Community Development staff in a full service capacity to communities.
Community Development
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG)
As part of a State and Federal effort to help local governments in western Illinois become more energy efficient and conserve resources, the Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC) partnered with the Illinois Association of Regional Councils (ILARC) to help communities and counties in the region access Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding (ARRA). The funding was available as part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program administered by the US Department of Energy and in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
This one time funding opportunity was available for up to 75% of eligible project costs for the awardees. Funding will be used by communities and counties to install or retrofit public buildings with energy-efficient improvements such as new lighting, high-efficient HVAC systems, replacement of windows and other energy conservation projects.
