Regional Planning Assistance in Crawford, Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White Counties
As our name implies, the Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission has been charged by our constituent local governments with spearheading the provision of planning assistance in the surrounding communities, particularly in instances where the subject matter or related problems to be addressed are best dealt with at the area-wide or regional level.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
A CEDS is a publication resulting from local and area-wide planning processes to guide regional economic growth. The Economic Development Administration (EDA) emphasizes its role in uniting public and private sectors to create an economic roadmap for diversifying and strengthening regional economies.
A CEDS is crucial for securing EDA assistance and designation as an economic development district (EDD). It is vital in creating and retaining high-skill, high-wage jobs in economically distressed areas. Additionally, it facilitates job creation, fosters stable and diversified economies, and coordinates collaborative efforts among individuals, organizations, local governments, and private industries.
A CEDS is crucial for securing EDA assistance and designation as an economic development district (EDD). It is vital in creating and retaining high-skill, high-wage jobs in economically distressed areas. Additionally, it facilitates job creation, fosters stable and diversified economies, and coordinates collaborative efforts among individuals, organizations, local governments, and private industries.
Grant Writing and Management
Our staff also has considerable experience in effectively providing grant writing and management services for the following programs:
- CDBG Grants—Illinois DCEO
- USDA Rural Development Grants, Direct Low-Interest Loans, and Loan Guarantees
- EDA Public Works, Technical Assistance, and Economic Adjustment Grants
- OSLAD and LAWCON Park Grants from IDNR
- IDNR
- EDP/TARP Grants from IDOT
- AFG Firefighter Grants
- Illinois State Fire Marshal Grants
- JAG and COP Police Grants
- Delta Regional Authority
- FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Local Government Training
Organizing and facilitating local government training is also part of our duties. On September 27, 2023, the Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission and SCIRPDC hosted a local government training event at Olney Central College. The presentations from the speakers are below:
A Comprehensive Guide
A comprehensive economic development strategy should analyze the regional economy and serve as a guide for:
- Establishing Regional Goals and Objectives
- Developing and Implementing a Regional Plan of Action
- Identifying Investment Priorities and Funding Sources
A Collaboration
Meeting federal regulations and having a CEDS are necessary to qualify for EDA planning investments. As an EDA-funded district, our commission is charged with submitting a CEDS yearly. Local government officials of Crawford, Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White counties, regional economic development organizations, state and federal agencies, and interested citizens provide input for this document.
Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)
The Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission’s revolving loan fund was backed by a grant through the EDA. Money loaned is for businesses looking to create or save jobs in the seven-county area served by our commission.
The maximum amount of RLF in any one project is $300,000 and cannot exceed 33% of the total project (leveraging $2 of private sector monies for every $1 of RLF monies). Loan criteria include working capital, construction, reuse, and modernization of facilities, equipment, or the purchase of inventory. Call for the latest interest rates.
The maximum amount of RLF in any one project is $300,000 and cannot exceed 33% of the total project (leveraging $2 of private sector monies for every $1 of RLF monies). Loan criteria include working capital, construction, reuse, and modernization of facilities, equipment, or the purchase of inventory. Call for the latest interest rates.
Loan Application
To apply for a loan, please download the RLF application form and contact our office before completing.
Revolving Loan Fund Application
Pre-Disaster Plans
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Meetings:
- Click on county name to view the Hazard Mitigation Draft Plan.
Please click here or use the QR code below to complete our community survey.
Delta Regional Authority (DRA)
Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission serves as the local development district for the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) in White County. The DRA is a federal/state partnership congressionally mandated to help create jobs, build communities, and improve lives in the Delta's 252 counties and parishes.
The investments come through the DRA's State Economic Development Assistance Program. With 45 local development districts as front-line project managers, the DRA's investments support job creation and community development projects.