More than two dozen Bloomington-Normal area leaders head to Washington, D.C., this week, hoping to secure up to $22.75 million for four key infrastructure projects.
Patrick Hoban, director of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council [EDC], said the trip to show a unified community in front of lawmakers and federal agencies has been a key part of the EDC strategy for years. It has helped attract about $200 million over 10-plus years, though the new administration may have changing priorities.
"One Voice is always staying with us though, until they just run out of money and that might be sooner rather than later, unfortunately," said Hoban, adding agency and legislative staff turnover in Washington makes this year’s effort less certain than usual.
"We do have some meetings scheduled, not as many as we would like, because a lot of our contacts are no longer employed," said Hoban, who is among the 28 Twin City area leaders making the trip.
The four projects include: $2 million for the parking lot portion of the planned Connect Transit transfer station on the site of the Market Street parking deck in downtown Bloomington; $2.25 million for a new passenger boarding bridge at the Central Illinois Regional Airport; $3.5 million for a road project in Hudson Township; and $15 million for a STEM building at Illinois State University.
STEM building
The $15 million for the STEM building would complement more than $30 million in state and federal money already secured and about $15 million in planned university borrowing for the $60 million project.
As proposed, it will have about 37,000 square feet and include teaching labs, a rooftop greenhouse, and collaborative spaces. ISU needs to demolish an existing greenhouse, remove abandoned mechanical equipment, and coordinate construction with the completion of Felmley Science Annex mechanical system renovations before it can begin construction in a design-build process.
The university said it hopes to have the building ready for occupancy for the fall semester of 2027.
Transfer center parking
The City of Bloomington's request for $2 million would make up about 30% of the estimated cost to build one level of the two-level parking facility above the planned Connect Transit Transfer Center. The city would fund the other $4.5 million portion with reserves and local sources.
The entire project is estimated to cost more than $30 million, though One Voice documents note the design process has yet to firm up that estimate.
The city's case for the funding includes urban revitalization, using new sustainable building features, creating green spaces aligned with city goals, and supporting business and recreational communities and assets in downtown.
CIRA equipment
The Central Illinois Regional Airport wants to replace an unused and nonfunctional boarding bridge and enhance a second bridge.
"This is not a bridge over the road. This is going to be a larger bridge for passengers that will be ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] compliant and also get us some bigger planes," said Hoban.
The federal portion would make up nearly all of the total $2.5 million project, if it receives FAA funding. The state Division of Aeronautics would pay for the rest.
The project would return a second gate to service, expanding airport capacity, and allow jets with a capacity of up to 230 passengers easier use of CIRA.
Hudson area roadwork
Hudson Township wants to upgrade three miles of N 1475 East Road used as an alternative route when Interstate 39 is closed. What’s termed the "narrow and rolling missing State Rt. 251" was originally designed for average local traffic and it can’t handle diverted I-39 traffic, school buses, farm implements, and semis that haul grain to an elevator.
A packet prepared for the One Voice trip notes traffic studies indicated an average use of 1,000 vehicles per day, but peaks as high as 19,000 vehicles with the stretch of road serving as an I-39 diversion.
The packet said Hudson Township has had repeated discussions and application with county and state officials, but has not secured funding. If approved, the money would widen the road, create a more durable surface able to handle 80,000-pound vehicles, and improve signage, lighting, and drainage. The federal request would be about 27% of the total $13 million cost.
The One Voice group leaves Tuesday and will return later this week.
