Christian County has been designated as an Enterprise Zone. The announcement came late last week from State Senator Andy Manar. The Illinois Enterprise Zone Program is a way to encourage job growth and local investments in areas that may be economically depressed, especially rural areas. Senator Manar says that enterpise zones make it easier to do business. 

Incentives from the program include exemptions on state utility taxes for electricity and natural gas, and exemptions on the Illinois Commerce Commission’s administrative charge and telecommunication excise taxes. Senator Manar says the whole thing came together from the leadership of Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry, Pana Mayor Don Kroski, and Chairwoman Becky Edwards.

The new zone for Christian County will become effective on January 1st 2021 and will remain an Enterprise Zone for 15 years. For more information about DCEO’s Enterprise Zone Program click here.