State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) welcomed the creation of two new “Opportunity Zones” in Clinton, Marion, and Washington Counties. The Opportunity Zones are aimed at boosting jobs and economic development in the region. The new zone in Clinton County begins along the eastern shores of Carlyle Lake, extending East to the border of Marion County, including Centralia and Central City. The Washington County zone stretches from I-64 in Nashville and goes as far south as Nixon Road.
According to State Rep. Charlie Meier, “Our region has a tremendous opportunity to create more jobs and more economic development. The creation of Opportunity Zones will allow for private tax-free investment in low-income areas with economic need. I’m excited about the possibilities this incentive will bring to southern Illinois.”
On Friday, May 18th, Governor Bruce Rauner announced 327 census tracts were submitted by the State of Illinois to the U.S. Treasury Department for consideration as Opportunity Zones. The U.S. Treasury Department approved the recommendations, as permitted by the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. 1,305 qualifying low-income census tracts were available for selection, of which only 25% could be nominated by the Governor for inclusion in the program. The zones cover more than 85 counties throughout the state and aim to support the future of Illinois through economic growth and investment.
For more information on Opportunity Zones, please visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) website here.