Decatur, Springfield recognized with federal Recompete grants targeti…

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — The Economic Development Administration recognized two major Central Illinois cities for a grant designed to reduce unemployment and help develop economies.

The federal government is launching Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program as a part of the CHIPS and Sciences Act signed last year. The program is designed to supplement the economic development of certain areas by targeting ways to increase employment, specifically for 25-54-year-olds.  

“Recompete helps make it possible for more Americans in more communities to find a good-paying job that puts them and their families on the path toward success,” U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves said. “By equitably investing in new job creation opportunities across America, we can help fulfil our promise that no American, and no community, is ever left behind.”

Of more than 600 applicants, Decatur was…