By Andy Dahn

BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington is putting its support behind an application for federal funding that would be used for renovations to Bloomington’s Connect Transit center and the expansion of the McLean County Jail.

McLean County Administrator Bill Wasson said the support from Bloomington doesn’t guarantee the project will receive the $15 million grant.

“Our expectation is that not every state will receive a TIGER Grant this round,” Wasson said. “This process is extremely competitive.”

Wasson said the projects would share a site at the corner of East and Front streets.

“It would take them off the street and hopefully provide a better environment for transit users,” said Wasson. “Also a better environment for downtown users in general.”

The grant would allow the Connect Transit center to make numerous additions including bus tracking displays and heated waiting areas. Wasson described the possible changes to the McLean County Jail.

“The expansion of that facility would be to meet the needs of those who have behavioral health challenges,” Wasson said. “Those that we need to provide appropriate environments for in our correctional facility. Proper treatments are included in that as well.”

Wasson said if the grant is approved, the county board will begin work with architects to design a layout for the additions.

Andy Dahn can be reached at [email protected].