KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce is commending Illinois’ “Surplus to Success” program for their effort and investment of unutilized land in Kankakee.

“This program takes the forgotten projects of the past and turns them into projects of the future with a boost from private investment,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The Shapiro Development Center’s unused land is ripe for investment and has the potential to bring jobs and economic success to Kankakee.”

Illinois pledged a historic $500 million investment in site readiness—marking a bold step forward in transforming unused state properties into hubs of economic opportunity. This investment—which represents the largest site readiness investment in state history—will prepare sites across the state to attract new industries, create jobs, and bring new life to communities that have long been impacted by shuttered or unused facilities. The “Surplus to Success” program is led by the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, which will prepare idle state-owned properties for private development.

The revitalization project includes funding for 70 acres of unutilized lands at the Shapiro Developmental Center. The Developmental Center itself will remain unaffected while the 70 acres of land is transformed. The project will yield economic returns, improve property values and reduce the burden on taxpayers by eliminating ongoing security and maintenance costs at abandoned facilities.

With Illinois ranked among the top 15 states to do business by CNBC, the program leverages strategic investments, proven fiscal discipline and bold, community-driven initiatives.