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IDOT Blog – Monday, November 25, 2024
New Will County DBE Resource Center Open
A new local resource center in Will County for IDOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program is open to help create more opportunities for minority- and female-owned firms to do business on Interstate 80 and other area projects.
The I-80 project is replacing the more than 50-year-old infrastructure along a 16-mile corridor in a booming territory for logistics and freight, adding multiple safety and capacity enhancements. It also is improving quality of life and creating thousands of construction and permanent jobs while positioning the region for long-term economic opportunity.
As part of Gov. JB Pritzker’s directive to include small, local businesses on the I-80 project, IDOT opened the new DBE Resource Center at 858 Center Court, Unit A, in Shorewood. Furnished with a computer lab and office equipment, the resource center will act as a free one-stop shop for firms that want to become certified DBEs and learn about contracting opportunities in the area without having to travel to meet with IDOT staff in Chicago or Schaumburg. One-on-one assistance is available by appointment.
“Through this resource center, small, local firms can get the boost they need to participate in the I-80 project, as well as other local projects,” said Secretary Omer Osman. “We are excited to provide opportunities that help level the playing field, create jobs and contribute to the overall success of our communities, making them better places to grow your own business and create jobs in your community.”
The cost of the resource center is included as part of the overall $1.3 billion I-80 reconstruction. Its location was chosen for easy access to I-80 and I-55, with parking available for contractors with various-sized vehicles. While it was established to provide support services to small businesses participating on the I-80 project, the office can be used for other state projects in the surrounding areas and communities. IDOT also offers a permanent resource center located at 900 S. Des Plaines St., in Chicago.
The resource center is staffed by District 1 Contract Compliance Unit employees assigned to the Will County area and the I-80 project who currently work closely with the contractors onsite. IDOT’s Office of Business and Workforce Diversity’s Bureau of Small Business Enterprises consultant representatives also will use the center.
