Congressman Eric Sorensen Pushes for $50 Million to Boost Supply Chains and Create Jobs

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is pushing for new federal funding to help communities like the Quad Cities prepare for growth, attract new businesses, and create jobs.

Sorensen is urging the House Appropriations Committee to fund the Critical Supply Chain Site Development Program at the Economic Development Administration with $50 million. This program would help communities prepare land for new factories and major industrial projects-making it easier to attract businesses, create jobs, and strengthen America's supply chains.

"Businesses in our region are ready to grow and hire, but too often, projects get stuck before they even begin," said Congressman Eric Sorensen. "We have a real chance to unlock new economic development across our communities, but only if we make sure the resources are there to get sites ready and bring those opportunities to life."

"Communities like the Quad Cities often struggle to compete for major investment due to the lack of development-ready sites," said Peter Tokar III, President & CEO, Grow Quad Cities. "Funding for the Critical Supply Chain Site Development Program would catalyze our region's economic prospects by providing attractive options for relocating companies seeking speedy development timelines."

Many communities face barriers such as a lack of infrastructure, road access, or utility connections that can delay or stop projects before they begin. This funding would help address those challenges upfront, making sites "shovel-ready" for investment.

The program was established through Sorensen's ONSHORE Act, which was included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024. It remains one of his top priorities in this year's federal funding process. Local leaders and businesses have said that preparing sites for development is one of the biggest obstacles to attracting manufacturing businesses to Central and Northwestern Illinois.

You can read the full letter below.