Governor Quinn, Canton City Officials Break Ground on Downtown Revitalization Project

CANTON – August 28, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today joined local officials to break ground on a new building that will enhance Canton’s downtown area, which has suffered from past fires and demolition. The project will also provide employment and educational opportunities to high school students in the community.

“The only way that we will revitalize communities throughout Illinois is by coming together,” said Governor Quinn. “And by getting students excited about the building and construction trades, we are helping to create a pipeline of skilled workers, which is critical to the long-term growth of our communities.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recently awarded the City of Canton a $400,000 Community Development Assistance Program grant to renovate historic storefronts in downtown Canton. Of that amount, $50,000 will go towards constructing the façade of the new building.

Students from Canton High School will team up with groups such as the West Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council to get real world experience in commercial building. The project will help students learn about the various careers available in the construction trades.

In addition to providing students with a hands-on learning environment, this project will result in a new energy efficient structure in downtown Canton that will be designed to compliment other historical buildings. The building will house businesses that will create jobs and generate much needed revenue for the city.

Canton was recently designated an Illinois Main Street community, which is a unique public-private partnership to promote economic development and community renewal.