GOV. BLAGOJEVICH ANNOUNCES $750,000 IN FUNDING TO HELP LOCAL COMMUNITIES REHABILITATE HOMES OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

"The fundamental goal of Opportunity Returns is to create more widespread economic opportunity across this state so individuals have the tools they need to build a better life for themselves and their families. Opportunity begins with access. Whether it is access to education, job training, health care, or simply to and from your own living environment, we will continue working aggressively at the community level to remove any barriers that limit access to opportunity. By providing this funding to improve the homes of disabled residents across Illinois, we're making another important stride toward accomplishing that goal," Gov. Blagojevich said.

The housing improvement funding will come from the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) Mobility and Accessibility Rehabilitation Services (MARS) component, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The program provides grants to local communities who have applied for funding on behalf of disabled residents. The grant funds are then used to cover the costs of rehabilitating those disabled residents' homes. Eligible projects include general rehabilitation and structural modifications to make the home accessible and accommodate the needs of the disabled resident.

Individual grants may be funded up to $100,000 for these rehabilitation projects. Local communities eligible to receive CDAP funding may apply throughout the year until all funds have been exhausted. CDAP staff will provide pre-applications to units of government upon receipt of written requests that identify eligible families or individuals in need of assistance.

"This program is a great example of how innovative partnerships between state and local government can accomplish key objectives that make an immediate and tangible impact in individual lives. A comprehensive economic development strategy goes beyond business attraction and workforce training, it should strive to strengthen communities and help individuals build a path to upward mobility. By improving the living environments of disabled residents across Illinois, Gov. Blagojevich is doing exactly that," DCEO Director Jack Lavin said

The Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) assists Illinois communities by providing grants to local governments to help them in financing economic development, public facilities and housing rehabilitation projects. The program is targeted to assist low-to-moderate income people by creating job opportunities and improving the quality of their living environment.

Gov. Blagojevich has developed the following objectives for the CDAP program:

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Requests for pre-applications should be sent to: DCEO, CDAP Housing Unit, 620 E. Adams - CIPS3, Springfield, IL 62702. Applications will be available throughout the year, as long as funds are available. Questions regarding this program should be directed to Tim Call, Housing Programs Manager, at 217/558.2833,

Gov. Blagojevich's Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois' history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn't work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions - each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.