Region to get $4.3 million in infrastructure assistance
Pope County, Pulaski County and the city of Carmi will receive grant money for essential infrastructure projects, part of $50 million in Rebuild Illinois funds that the state is distributing to 34 communities around Illinois for critical road repairs, bridge replacements, sewer upgrades and more.
State funds will be met with $72.1 million in matching commitments for capital projects, which brings the total investment to nearly $123 million, according to a news release from the governor's office.
Carmi is slated to get nearly $1.8 million to replace a water line and pressure reducing station, and tank upgrades. Pope County has been awarded $2 million for water system improvements in Golconda, and Pulaski County will get $485,000 to rehab an elevated water storage tank in Ullin.
The funding comes from the Rebuild Illinois Public Infrastructure Capital Program, part of Rebuild Illinois, and a key priority outlined in Illinois' 5-year economic plan. RIPI is one of several infrastructure programs created by the state to provide investment in aging infrastructure, as well as job opportunities for communities.
In total, the Rebuild Illinois capital plan will be providing at least $3.3 billion in grants and programs for locals and businesses around the state.
"Every corner of Illinois deserves 21st century infrastructure - and Rebuild Illinois is the largest ever effort to get us there," said Gov. J.B. Pritzker. "Modernizing major thruways that underpin our status at the nation's transportation hub is critical work, but so, too, is making the lives of working families easier."
The projects, which are funded by capital grants, include replacement of a wooden water tower, a facade facelift for the Coronado Performing Arts Center, and ADA accessibility upgrades. It also includes road and bridge repairs, and capital upgrades for utilities, water treatment, and sewer systems. The grants range from $343,000 to $2 million in funding, with an average grant award of nearly $1.5 million.