The Normal City Council on Monday night signed off on using motor fuel tax money for a portion of a $9.35 million improvement project on West College Avenue.
The decision will help a speedy application for up to $5 million in Rebuild Illinois Public Infrastructure grant money. The project would rework College Avenue from Rivian Motorway to White Oak Road.
The proposed funding mix for the project is:
- Requested State Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant funds - $5 million
- Federal Surface Transportation funds - $3,080,000
- Town of Normal Motor Fuel Tax funds - $1,270,000
The road is about 35 years old, according to City Engineer Ryan Otto, and in a deteriorated condition.
“This has been on our radar for a number of years and I do applaud the staff for really finding the resources to make this very large project happen,” said council member Kathleen Lorenz.
Illinois has made $25 million available statewide in the grant program. The maximum award is $5 million.
Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Director Patrick Hoban said it will create economic stimulus for the community.
Council member Scott Preston said "should this grant be awarded at the $5 million level, the local Town of Normal portion is only about 13.5% of the total," adding that "I think, is a great win.”
Town staff said the project will include an improved roadway, intersection evaluation and design, multi-use trail extensions, and drainage work.
If approved at all levels, the timeline includes planning and design work yet this year and project completion in two years.
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