Southern Illinois is continuing to build momentum as a destination for industrial investment following more than $2 million in new Site Readiness funding awarded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
The awards will strengthen industrial development opportunities across the region through a major infrastructure investment at the REDCO Industrial Park in Marion and a Site Readiness Planning Grant awarded to Southern Illinois Now (SI Now) to advance future industrial sites in Saline and Massac counties while supporting the establishment of a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) in Southern Illinois.
Strengthening the REDCO Industrial Park
The Regional Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) received more than $2 million through DCEO's Site Readiness Capital Grant Program, along with more than $500,000 in matching funds from REDCO, to strengthen infrastructure at the 125-acre REDCO Industrial Park on Marion's northwest side.
Working in partnership with Ameren Illinois, the project will upgrade electric infrastructure to ensure the site has the power capacity needed for future industrial and manufacturing users. The improvements coincide with a separate Illinois Department of Natural Resources mine reclamation project that will clear, grade, and complete the site's due diligence, creating a truly development-ready property.
Once complete, the industrial park will feature upgraded electric service through Ameren Illinois and will represent years of collaboration among DCEO, REDCO, local governments, Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission, Ameren Illinois, and Southern Illinois Now.
"Ready-to-develop sites are increasingly important as companies seek locations that can support growth and move quickly from planning to construction," said Eric Whitfield, Director of Economic Development for Ameren Illinois. "DCEO's investment through the REDCO Site Readiness Grant will help strengthen the region's competitive position and create new opportunities to attract capital investment, jobs, and long-term economic growth. Ameren Illinois is proud to support this effort and the communities it will benefit."
That spirit of collaboration extends well beyond utility infrastructure, with local leaders emphasizing the partnerships that continue to drive Marion's growth and the region's economic success.
"Marion's success has always been built through strong partnerships and a shared vision for the future," said Jennifer Olson, Director of Business Development for the City of Marion. "From downtown revitalization to industrial site development, our community has made strategic investments that continue to create opportunities for residents and businesses alike. This project is another example of what can be accomplished when local, regional, state, and private partners work together to position Marion, Williamson County, and all of Southern Illinois to attract new investment, create high-wage jobs, and enhance the quality of life for generations to come."
Planning the Next Generation of Industrial Sites
In addition to the REDCO award, Southern Illinois Now received a Site Readiness Planning Grant of more than $117,000. Combined with local matching funds, the project represents nearly $150,000 in planning investments that will prepare additional industrial sites across Southern Illinois.
The grant will fund boundary and topographic surveys on approximately 125 acres east of Harrisburg for the Saline County Industrial Development Corporation (SCIDC), the development of a comprehensive master plan for the 113-acre Metropolis Industrial Park, and consulting services to establish a Foreign Trade Zone in Southern Illinois.
Together, these initiatives will expand the region's inventory of development-ready industrial properties while strengthening Southern Illinois' competitiveness for both domestic and international investment.
"Economic development is about preparing for opportunities long before they arrive," said Nick Holdinghausen, Regional Development for Southern Illinois Now. "Over the past several years, communities across Southern Illinois have worked together to identify challenges, remove barriers to development, and strategically invest in infrastructure that makes our sites competitive. This funding is the result of that vision and collaboration, and it positions our region to capitalize on opportunities that will create high-wage jobs and lasting economic growth."
Building a Pipeline for Future Investment
Earlier this year, DCEO awarded nearly $5 million through the Site Readiness Program to advance development at the Metropolis Industrial Park, funding major infrastructure improvements including wastewater upgrades and new reinforced concrete streets.
Combined with the awards announced this week, Southern Illinois communities have now secured approximately $8 million in Site Readiness funding during 2026.
These investments build on a regional site-readiness strategy that began with an initial investment from the Delta Regional Authority to support Southern Illinois Now’s Top 20 Sites Analysis. That foundational work helped identify infrastructure needs, development barriers, and priority investments across the region and has since helped Southern Illinois communities secure nearly $10 million in additional funding to move key industrial properties closer to development.