Illinois officials are reviewing dozens of new applicationsfor enterprise zones.
State law allows a limited number of zones each year aimed at improving conditions in economically depressed areas. Businesses receive tax breaks, such as an exemption for utility taxes.
The proposals are evaluated on several criteria, including a high vacancy rate in industrial or commercial buildings, or being able to offer career programs at high schools.
Officials with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity say 67 applications were submitted and 49 will be approved. Many of them are from Chicago. One comes from DeKalb County.
The Daily Chroniclereports it’s the only county to host a major state university but not an enterprise zone.
New zones get a 15-year term.