BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL (25News Now) – Alongside U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Moline), Normal and Bloomington city leaders announced they have received millions of dollars in federal funding to update their infrastructure.
Normal received $850,000 for road improvements to Vernon Avenue near Colene Hoose Elementary School. Mayor Chris Koos said it will help make the area safer for pedestrians.
“I think traffic calming is probably the most important aspect of that,” Koos said. “We’ll [add] some additional traffic controls, a stop light, and some four way stops in there to really slow that traffic down.”
Normal also received $1.5 million dollars to upgrade Uptown’s storm water systems. Koos said, with climate change, the town is experiencing worse storms and floods.
“Bringing additional federal funds to the table for these projects really helps us get them done in a quicker manner,” Koos said. “We’re very thankful and appreciative that we’re getting those dollars so we can get going on these projects.”
Bloomington leaders announced their city will get $2 million to continue upgrading its storm water system.
This money will fund the eighth out of nine phases of the Locust Colton sewer separation project, which has cost the city just under $25 million so far. Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe said this money will help, and its already three years ahead of schedule.
“The benefits, of course, include reducing street flooding and preventing basement backups, which will greatly improve the quality of life of our residents,” Mwilambwe said. “Plus, it’s going to create jobs and boost our local economy, so it’s a win-win.”
Normal’s road work on Vernon Avenue is expected to begin in eight to nine months. Bloomington is expected to see phase eight of its sewage separation project start next year.
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