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WGLT's reporting on the coronavirus pandemic, which began in McLean County in March 2020.

Normal To Seek Funds To Rebuild West College Avenue

Map of the project area
Town of Normal
Town of Normal staff said West College Avenue has rapidly deteriorating joints in curbs and gutters and pavement.

Town staff is asking the Normal Town Council to approve a speedy application for the state's Rebuild Illinois Public Infrastructure grant money to improve a deteriorating West College Avenue near the Rivian auto plant.

A special council meeting to consider the proposal is set for Monday evening.

The estimated $9.35 million project would rework College Avenue from Rivian Motorway to White Oak Road. The proposed funding mix for the project is:

  • State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant Funds: $5 million
  • Federal Surface Transportation Funds: $3.1 million
  • Town of Normal Motor Fuel Tax Funds: $1.3 million

Staff said in materials prepared for the council that haste is needed to apply for what is anticipated to be competition for pandemic relief grant money. Illinois has made $25 million available statewide, and Normal’s request is for the maximum $5 million allowed per project that will create economic stimulus to aid in pandemic recovery. The federal portion would go toward planning and design work.
If approved, 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 the summer of 2022.

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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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