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Springfield's Public Works Director On Yard Waste Program and Capital Projects

Springfield's Office of Public Works manages the yard waste program and other city programs.
Mary Hansen
/
NPR Illinois
Springfield's Office of Public Works manages the yard waste program and other city programs.

Springfield started a new yard waste program this spring, and the city is expecting more money for road and railway projects from a statewide capital plan. The city’s Office of Public Works oversees both.

NPR Illinois talked with its new director, Nate Bottom, about the changes. The Springfield City Council approved Bottom's appointment last week.

Listen here.

The interview covers:

-The recycling fee assessed on monthly City Water, Light and Power bills increased to $4.50, up from $3.  That money pays for curbside and electronics recycling programs, and yard waste pickup, among other services. According to the city's website, $4.75 will be assessed on monthly bills between August and January, 2020, because the increase was not on July bills.

-Springfield is set to get $122 million from the statewide infrastructure plan, Rebuild Illinois, for its rail improvement project.

-The city will also use money from the capital plan to pay for upgrades to the intersection at Dirksen Parkway and Sangamon Avenue, and along MacArthur Boulevard, between South Grand and Wabash avenues.

-To report a problem to the public works department, call 217-789-2255 or visit itswebsite.

Copyright 2021 NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS. To see more, visit NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS.

Mary is a reporter at NPR Illinois and graduated from the Public Affairs Reporting program atUISand received her BA in International Studies from American University. Previously Mary worked as a planning consultant and reported for the State Journal-Register where she covered city government.