July 28, 2023
www.ssmma.org
SSMMA Hosts Briefing for South Suburban Airport Bill (HB 2531)
The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, along with the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, and the Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation held an exclusive briefing on Thursday, July 27th with key regional leaders to showcase how the South Suburban Airport (SSA) could be the first environmentally carbon neutral “green” airport in the nation when it comes to fruition.

Airport design and construction experts Paul Heitman and Paul Ahern shared insights into new aviation technologies and discussed how utilizing solar lighting, geothermal heating, battery-powered ground vehicles, electric drones, and environmentally sustainable practices could result in a carbon-free “net-zero” airport.

“We’ve known a South Suburban Airport will create thousands of temporary and permanent jobs, strengthen our economy, and leverage the region’s transportation assets,” said SSMMA President Ron Gardiner, “but today we heard from experts on how our region can plan for, and advance, an environmentally sustainable “green” state of the art South Suburban Airport that will be a true win-win for Illinois”.

Yesterday’s panel emphasized how environmentally friendly construction will be used to build a cargo-oriented airport as called for in House Bill 2531, the South Suburban Airport bill, approved in Springfield this spring in a bipartisan fashion by legislators across the State. This bill expands the permissible types of airport development to include cargo and freight shipment facilities that could meet domestic and global e-commerce shipment demands. It also requires the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to commence a prequalification process to identify potential developers to develop, finance, construct, and manage the South Suburban Airport.

SSMMA Legislative Chairman Rick Reinbold urged meeting attendees to take action. “It’s time for the South Suburban Airport bill, HB 2531— which sits on Governor Pritzker’s desk as we speak— to be signed into law,“ Reinbold stated. “The SSA will not only enable the private sector to create huge employment opportunities in the diverse Southland for the first time since our steel and manufacturing base began downsizing half-a­ century ago, but it can be done meeting the environmental standards that our region demands.” He added, “Contact the Governor’s Office and urge that he sign HB 2531 today.”

More information on the South Suburban Airport panel discussion and SSMMA’s letter to Governor Pritzker urging signage of HB 2531 is available here. Constituents are encouraged to contact Governor Pritzker here to advocate for HB 2531 signage.
Upcoming Meetings and Events

Visit our website for SSMMA's meeting schedule, Zoom log-in information, and meeting materials.

SSMMA Transportation Meeting - August (On Call)

SSMMA Business Meeting - August (No Meeting)
Grant Opportunities and Resources
• The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has released the Fiscal Year 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) Program, with up to $3.16 billion available for planning and construction projects.

• The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition
and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31. 

• Illinois Small Business Grants are now open for 2023-2024. Learn more.

• Illinois Department of Natural Resources offers a list of grants. Learn more.

• Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) offers a list of FY24 grant opportunities for eligible organizations. Learn more.

• Check out the latest list of Federal and DCEO grant opportunities here.

• Check out Will County's small business assistance resource page.
News from Community Partners
Illinois EPA Announces Funding Opportunity for Green Infrastructure Projects to Improve Water Quality
• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announces a grant opportunity with $10 million in funding for projects that will improve water quality in Illinois.

• A Technical Assistance Session will be held on August 15, 2023, at 1:30 PM CST.

• Applications for the GIGO Program are due by noon on October 18, 2023. Learn more.
2023 Cycle of Safe Routes to School
• Active Transportation Alliance and Illinois Public Health Institute are hosting a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Grant webinar series with IDOT.

• The SRTS grant opens up on August 1, 2023.

• The MWRD Green Infrastructure Partnership Program is now accepting pre-applications for Green Infrastructure Projects.

• Pre-applications are mandatory to apply and must be on file by December 31, 2023. Learn more.
ComEd, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Offer Grants to Power Community Light Events this Holiday Season
• ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus are now accepting applications for grants of up to $2,500 each as part of the ComEd Powering the Holidays Program.

• The deadline is September 1, 2023. Learn more.
Business Utility Savings & Incentives
• ComEd & NiCor have teamed up to assist regional businesses with tapping into various programs offered to help business owners with money saving offerings and incentives for their utility expenses.  

• Attend this in-person event on September 14 at Nicor in Glenwood, IL. Learn more.
Job Postings & Requests for Proposals
• SSMMA offers a list of local job opportunities and RFPs throughout the south suburban region directly on our website.

• Municipalities and organizations can send job openings and proposals here to be publicly posted.

SPC News

SPC Hosts Successful Vendor Showcase

  • Thank you for contributing to this year's Vendor Showcase held on Wednesday, July 26. A special thanks to Sourcewell, Oakton College, and the SPC partner councils of government (DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, Northwest Municipal Conference, and South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association) for contributing to the success of the SPC Vendor Showcase!
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