County Economic Development Board Discusses Various Projects

Members of the Effingham County Board's Economic Development Advisory Board Tuesday heard that a Meijer store for Effingham is still expected, but no one knows when at this time.

Effingham's Economic Development Director Todd Hull was asked about the project during the meeting. Hull said there is no timetable now, but he said the business has done its due diligence, still owns the building site, and has invested its own money in developing the site.

Hull said, "(the project) is not dead by any means."

Board members heard about a proposed expansion of the City/County Enterprise Zone. The matter goes before the City Council tonight and should be reviewed by the County Board later this month.

The Board also reviewed projects whose owners have fallen behind on paying back funds that were loaned to them by the Board. Those funds were granted to the County and were in turn loaned to developers. 

There are currently about $18,000 in funds available to those interested in starting or expanding businesses. For more information, phone the County Board office at 217-342-4990.