DCEO receives 18 applications for 12 enterprise zones

Money
(WJBC File Photo)

By Joe Ragusa

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has received 18 applications for 12 available enterprise zones.

The Bloomington-Normal, Gibson City, McLean County and Ford County application is one of the applications that will be considered by the state’s Enterprise Zone Board.

An enterprise zone includes economic incentives for any businesses that reside within it, like sales tax and utility tax exemptions. Enterprise zones last for at least 15 years with the possibility of a ten year extension. 49 were approved last year.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].

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