State Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) on Wednesday attended a bill signing ceremony for Senate Bill 2168, legislation that adds Peoria to the small list of communities whose riverfront properties will be eligible for special economic development incentives, including a new program to help revitalize abandoned or historic properties.

Through Gordon’s legislation, Peoria joins the communities of Aurora, East St. Louis, Elgin and Rockford as a designated location in Rivers Edge program. River Edge locations qualify for a number of incentives, including a Historic Preservation Tax Credit created with through Gordon’s bill.

“Making Peoria part of the River Edge Program was one of the top priorities for me and other local lawmakers on both sides of aisle.” Gordon said. “The Historic Preservation Tax Credit and becoming part of River Edge will give Peoria’s riverfront and downtown businesses some assistance as they continue to grow.”

The River Edge program plays a role in efforts to revitalize the riverfront and the city’s Warehouse District through various projects expected to create over 1,400 jobs and bring in millions of dollars of private investment.

“In today’s economy, business development can be challenging and it is often very difficult to get assistance from any level of government because they have budget challenges of their own,” said Roberta Parks, President of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber wants to thank Rep. Gordon for working very hard to bring the Historic Preservation Tax Credit and the redevelopment zone to Peoria. Our businesses – and the community at large – will benefit from the jobs and investment that are a result of this program.”

“There are many issues facing the state right now, but none is more important than finding ways to put people back to work and looking for ways to grow our economy,” Gordon added. “We have to focus on ways to bring jobs to the state by making reforms that will help businesses invest in the local workforce. I am looking forward to seeing the creative ways our business community will use these new economic development tools to create jobs and grow our economy.”

For more information, or for any questions, please contact Rep. Gordon’s Constituent Services Office at 309-681-1992.