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Normal Council Commits To West College Avenue Grant App

Town of Normal
The Normal City Council Monday night reserved discussion of details of a potential project that could include a bike trail extension on west College Avenue for a later time in deciding to seek a state grant for the project.

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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WGLT Senior Reporter Charlie Schlenker has spent more than three award-winning decades in radio. He lives in Normal with his family.
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