Construction on Illinois Route 29 in Pana is now underway, and it’s not the only work happening in the city.  This summer, downtown revitalization work in Pana will also begin. The two projects are expected to be completed around the same time in the summer of 2027.  This comes amid other work happening throughout Christian County to attract businesses and employment.

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation is involved in these plans, and so too is its executive director Matt Hart.  He says the work is much needed and will be worth the effort and the $10 million price-tag.

As for downtown Pana, the upcoming work there features multiple projects worth around $6.5 million. 

More centrally in Christian County, there has been progress on the industrial park on the north side of Taylorville.  The lots for new businesses have been marked off, and some have already been claimed. 

Hart says businesses that develop on any of the lots take advantage of benefits through three incentives: the enterprise zone, business development district, and TIFF.

More information on the CCEDC is available at www.christiancountyedc.com. 

Matt Hart appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.