Rock Island is teaming up with nearby towns in the Illinois Quad Cities to encourage economic growth. The cities of Rock Island, Moline, East Moline, Silvis, and Milan, plus Rock Island County, are applying to the state for a new enterprise zone, which would give incentives for business investment.
Jeff Eder, assistant city manager for Rock Island, says this is the first time the city has teamed up with others to create an enterprise zone.
The new collaborative enterprise zone would replace the current one, which expires at the end of next year.
Eder says that normally, Rock Island has its own enterprise zone. But the new joint effort offers many benefits for businesses.
The Bi-State Regional Commission is helping put together the application for the Illinois Quad Cities, which the Rock Island City Council will vote on tonight.