08/14/2026
VILLAGE OF STOCKTON RECEIVES SITE READINESS GRANT
HANOVER, ILLINOIS – On August 6, 2026, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced Regional Site Readiness Program awards totaling $35 million to support site readiness activities at 22 sites across Illinois, including one awarded to the Village of Stockton. To date, the State has been awarded $115 million to support 63 projects across Illinois in their site preparedness efforts.
The Village of Stockton, in partnership with Northwest Illinois Economic Development (NWILED), Jo Daviess County, and others, received a $90,784 award to conduct a feasibility study and market analysis for a proposed 180-acre site. The study will determine whether an industrial park is viable at the location, while the market analysis will identify the industries or target customers best suited for the proposed park if the feasibility study shows positive potential. The studies will examine acreage on Stockton’s east side, bordered by North Simmons, South Stockton, and South Curtiss Roads, with primary direct access off Highway 20.
The Regional Site Readiness Program prepares sites to attract future industrial investment and new job opportunities across Illinois. “It’s a very unique program to tap into,” said NWILED Regional Director David Schmit. “We began working with Jo Daviess County two years ago and found an application partner in Stockton along with a willing landowner whose property is well positioned for growth. With only about 10 undeveloped prime industrial acres spread across the county, I am proud the village and county are working together on this opportunity.”
Daisha Boehm, Jo Daviess County Board Director representing District 5, commented positively regarding Stockton taking the initiative for the community’s future. “Congratulations to Stockton for being proactive and advocating for grant opportunities that bring state dollars back to our area. It’s important that our communities have the resources to do homework, understand the opportunities and impacts, and make informed decisions about what makes sense for their future. Planning and gathering good information are positive steps. Regardless of what the ultimate outcome may be, I’d much rather see our state dollars invested right here in Jo Daviess County, giving our communities the resources to properly evaluate opportunities, than see those dollars go elsewhere in the state.”
"The creation of an industrial park in the Village of Stockton has the potential to be a major economic catalyst for the Village, Jo Daviess County, and the region,” said Rep. Darin LaHood. “I was proud to support the Village’s efforts to secure this grant, which will help prepare the site for industrial and manufacturing development, attract new businesses, create jobs, and drive investment in the community."
“This grant is an important first step in positioning Stockton for future economic investment and job creation,” said Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie. “Northwest Illinois has tremendous potential, and this investment will help prepare our community to attract new development, strengthen our local economy and create lasting opportunities for residents.”
According to Northwest Illinois Economic Development the Village of Stockton President and Board of Trustees are very excited to receive the news that they were awarded the Regional Site Readiness Program Grant. “
“This has been a work in progress for a couple of years and while nothing is certain we all held our breath until the awardees were announced,” said Stefanie Hatley, Clerk and FOIA Officer of the Village of Stockton. “This is huge for the Village of Stockton and Jo Daviess County. This grant allows us to perform a feasibility study to evaluate targeted areas along Route 20 to see if an industrial project is practical and financially sound for a village. It analyzes local infrastructure and utilities, zoning laws, market demand, transportation and logistics and financial and environmental impact before the village spends money or breaks ground.
The Site Readiness application involved technical partners including Origin Design, Conlon Construction, and Community Funding and Planning.
ABOUT THE SITE READINESS PROGRAM:
The Regional Site Readiness Program is an annual program that prepares sites to attract future industrial investment and new job opportunities across Illinois. Industrial economic development is supported by two types of competitive funding opportunities: Planning grants to support due diligence activities, studies and site plans, and Capital Ready grants to support capital infrastructure improvements.
The Program builds upon the State’s efforts to support communities and landowners in their site readiness planning, assessments, and infrastructure improvements. This includes addressing the financial barriers faced when gathering information and making infrastructure improvements.
The program will increase the number of sites available with completed due diligence and utility infrastructure, which increases Illinois’ speed-to-market options for industrial projects. The Regional Site Readiness Program recipients were selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that was open to local governments, economic development organizations, and private landowners. Grants ranged from just over $90,000 to $5 million.
