BETTENDORF, IOWA (January 8, 2025) — On December 18, 2024, the Senate passed legislation including authorization for the ONSHORE Act (Opportunities for Non-developed Sites to Have Opportunities to be Rehabilitated for Economic Development). The bill establishes the Critical Supply Chain Site Development program, which, once funded, will provide competitive grants to communities like the Quad Cities to invest in new shovel-ready sites. This funding could significantly enhance the region's economic development opportunities.
The House version of the ONSHORE Act was introduced early last year by Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01).
“The Quad Cities Chamber advocated for this legislation and is pleased to see it move on to the next step – funding,” said Ryan Sempf, Executive Director of Government Affairs of the Quad Cities Chamber.
“The Quad Cities is a highly competitive location for advanced manufacturing, biosciences and defense,” said Peter Tokar III, President and CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber. “This new funding brings needed investment in the next generation of sites to continue our regional growth and investment in these key industries.”
“Manufacturing is the backbone of our region, and the ONSHORE Act is a game-changer for communities in the Quad Cities area and beyond,” said Sorensen. “By preparing unused sites for development, we’re unlocking opportunities to bring good-paying jobs to the region and keep Illinois competitive in manufacturing. This bipartisan win shows what’s possible when we work together to deliver for the hardworking people who call this place home.”
"This is a big win for the Quad Cities region,” said Miller-Meeks. “We're investing in the revitalization of communities, fostering economic growth and fortifying our domestic supply chains,” she said. “This program not only empowers regions to attract investment and create jobs in Iowa, but also ensures our nation's strategic interests and economic security are safeguarded.”
The program, managed by the US Department of Commerce, will offer grants to help communities and other eligible groups invest in new industrial site-preparation for manufacturing projects in industries that are considered strategically important. Grants can cover various expenses such as connecting the site to public utilities like water mains, completing environmental reviews required by the National Environmental Policy Act, investing in training programs for the local workforce, and other necessary preparations for manufacturing projects. The Secretary of Commerce decides which industries are strategically important and eligible for these grants.
The legislation, now headed to the President’s desk for signature, authorizes appropriations but does not appropriate the funds. To operationalize this new program, Congress will need to appropriate the authorized $20 million per year.
The Quad Cities Chamber has been advocating for support of the ONSHORE Act since its introduction.
About the Quad Cities Chamber:
The Quad Cities Chamber facilitates business growth to help create a prosperous regional economy where all can thrive. Its work is focused in three strategic areas: business and economic growth; workforce and talent development; and quality of place. For more information visit quadcitieschamber.com.
