Illinois CDBG Public Infrastructure Program.

Overview

What it does.

This is a public-sector application, not a direct business grant. A Chester-area project must be submitted by an eligible unit of local government, serve a primarily residential project area, meet the low-to-moderate-income threshold, and address documented health or safety conditions.

Best for: A qualifying residential-area water, sanitary-sewer, storm-sewer, or drainage project addressing documented public-health or safety conditions.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

• Eligible non-metropolitan Illinois local governments

Applicants excluded by the source

• Private businesses and individuals

Eligible uses

• Water-system construction
• Sanitary-sewer construction
• Storm-sewer and drainage construction

Uses excluded by the source

• Projects designed to benefit a commercial or business area
• Projects in areas that are not primarily residential

Application

How to start.

1. The local government confirms eligibility and attends the mandatory technical-assistance session requirements.
2. Complete state grant prequalification and the CDBG application package.
3. Submit the application before the official deadline.

Timing: The FY26 application closes at 5:00 p.m. on August 27, 2026.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

• Private applicants cannot apply.
• Projects designed to benefit commercial or business areas are not eligible.
• The project area must be primarily residential and benefit at least 51% low-to-moderate-income residents.
• The current posting includes mandatory technical assistance and extensive CDBG compliance.

Other infrastructure funds must be disclosed and coordinated in the project budget.

Evidence

Official sources.

• CDBG Public Infrastructure Program FY26Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity · accessed 2026-07-10