The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) plans to construct an interstate-grade, four-lane, divided expressway along the present route of U.S. 67.

The city of Jerseyville’s effort to establish a massive, three-county enterprise zone around the State of Illinois’ planned U.S. 67 Corridor highway appears to be gaining momentum.

Under its 67 Corridor Project (formally known as FAP 413), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) plans to construct an interstate-grade, four-lane, divided expressway along the present route of U.S. 67, from the Quad Cities to Interstate 270 at East St. Louis.

Construction of the long anticipated roadway is now expected to begin with the next two to five years, according to Jerseyille officials. Originally proposed in the 1970s, construction was initially scheduled to begin about five years ago, but was canceled due to funding problems.

The new enterprise zone, first proposed by Jerseyville officials two years ago, would offer development inducements for qualifying businesses, including special state and local tax incentives, regulatory relief, and improved governmental services. The zone would extend from as far south as Godfrey in Madison County to as far north as the White Hall area in northern Greene County.

The Jersey County Board voted Sept. 8 to participate in the planned enterprise zone; joined by the Godfrey Village Board on Sept. 14.

Presentations by Jerseyville officials to the governing boards of Green County, Brighton, Carrolton, Feldon, Grafton, Roadhouse, and perhaps Bunker Hill, are anticipated in the coming weeks.

Neither Jerseyville nor Madison County officials have commented publicly on that county’s  participation in the project. Madison County already has three enterprise zones: Riverbend (covering Alton, Bethalto, East Alton, Hartford, Roxana, South Roxana and Wood River); Southwestern (Granite City, Madison, Venice, and parts of unincorporated Madison County) and Gateway Commerce Center (Edwardsville, Glen Catbon).

A large number of participating entities helps lend credence to enterprise zone applications, Jerseyville officials note. At least 49 applications are presently pending and the selection process is competitive, state officials note.

Participating entities will share the estimated $70,000 to $75,000 application cost for the enterprise zone.

Applications for new Illinois enterprise zones must be submitted to Illinois Department of Commerce Economic Opportunity by Dec. 4. The department recently announced new application criteria, to be released Oct. 1.

Moran Economic Development of Edwardsville, which assisted in establishing Jerseyville’s existing tax increment financing (TIF) district, has been retained to prepare the enterprise zone application.

If approved, the new enterprise zone would officials be established on Jan. 1, 2017

However, casting a pall over the effort, the state commerce department last month announced a freeze on approval of new enterprise zones.

“In light of Illinois’ current fiscal uncertainty and ongoing budget impasse, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will not certify the enterprise zones at this time,” Jim Schultz, the director of the department, said in a prepared statement.

Authorized under the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act of 1982, enterprise zones are designed is to stimulate economic growth and neighborhood revitalization in economically depressed areas.

The 67 Corridor Project was originally proposed by the Illinois Department of Transportation in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as part of grand plan for a major supplemental highway system plan the would provide freeways access within 30 minutes for all Illinois residents. However, only the southernmost portion, Ill Rt. 255 between I-2270 and Alton, has to date been built. That section was completed in 2010.

A small bypass to the west of Jacksonville was constructed in the late 1990s. A new freeway bypass around Jerseyville is proposed as part of the 67 Corridor Project.

— Push for 67 Corridor enterprise zone gains momentum —