By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – U.S. Route 51 from Olive Street to College Avenue could see major improvements if a federal economic development grant being applied for by the Illinois Department of Transportation is approved.
The Bloomington City Council will vote Monday night on supporting the grant, which is known as a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant.
Public Works Director Jim Karch explained this area of the road needs a lot of work and if the funding is approved the project would include widening and upgrading the entire roadway.
“There’s even sections of Main Street and Center that still have a brick base – have the old brick base with just an asphalt over the top of it,” said Karch. “So down by Emerson in Bloomington a lot of that’s failed and a lot of that has even started to fail now.”
Karch said TIGER grants are extremely competitive, so it’s not guaranteed to be approved. He added if it’s approved there would be minimal financial commitment needed from the city.
“This grant is a $20 million grant application is what they’re looking at,” he said.
The council will also vote Monday on approving the Fiscal Year 2017 budget.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
