American Rescue Plan

The Normal Town Council heard from staff Monday about possible uses for the plaza surrounding the planned $27 million Uptown underpass — including one idea of extending the Children’s Discovery Museum exhibit space across the green area.

The Bloomington City Council on Monday started to hone in possible projects for its $13.4 million in COVID-relief funds, specifically focusing on infrastructure, and creating grant opportunities for small business owners, nonprofits, and certain homeowners.

Bloomington City Council members stressed the need for funding roads and sewers with federal American Rescue Plan Act (APRA) money when they discussed the issue last fall.

Eleven rural communities in McLean County will share in federal COVID relief money to repair or replace aging infrastructure.

Lawmakers and hotel managers announced a new package of bills on Tuesday they hope will revitalize the struggling hospitality industry in Illinois.

The Mid-Illinois Realtors Association is urging Bloomington and Normal municipal governments to use pandemic relief money to encourage home ownership.

Normal Town Council member Scott Preston says the town should wait to see what needs emerge during the next phase of COVID-19 before deciding how to spend remaining federal relief funding.

Normal Town Council member Scott Preston says the town should wait to see what needs emerge during the next phase of COVID-19 before deciding how to spend remaining federal relief funding.

The COVID-19 pandemic is still creating economic challenges and high inflation rates, and recent case numbers are posing a threat to the health and safety of citizens. Normal Mayor Chris Koos shares his insights for distributing federal funding and preparing for winter months.

Town of Normal staff suggested Monday evening using $10.8 million in federal pandemic relief dollars on a variety of initiatives, ranging from cybersecurity and new technology to health care and transit services.