Fehr Graham helped the City of Morrison secure a $1,271,782 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) aimed at bolstering public Infrastructure. Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Housing and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the selection of 54 projects to receive a collective sum of $56.9 million.
Morrison City Administrator Brian Melton shared insights into plans spurred by the funding. A multiphase initiative focused on infrastructure improvements is already in motion and will continue with adding a cured-in-place lining to sanitary sewers. The project scope will stay within the limits of the grant funding.
"We have had a great experience working with Fehr Graham. We have received seamless support, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them on this project and more in the future."
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We have had a great experience working with Fehr Graham. We have received seamless support, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them on this project and more in the future." |
Brian Melton, Morrison City Administrator
CDBG public infrastructure projects enable communities in nonmetropolitan areas to make critical repairs to water, sewage and drainage infrastructure to enhance safety and the quality of life for residents.
"Since day one as Governor, it has been my priority to ensure that every family, individual, and child in Illinois has access to safe and healthy water, housing and infrastructure," Pritzker said in a news release. "That's what my administration's Rebuild Illinois capital plan is all about and now, in further partnership with the federal government, over 50 projects across Illinois will receive grants to support projects that will better our communities for years to come."
Public infrastructure grants provide communities with funding to improve infrastructure and eliminate conditions detrimental to public health, safety and public welfare. As part of the annual CBDG program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, DCEO is awarding $48.5 million for 41 infrastructure projects, including the construction of storm sewer pipes, water line replacements, hydrant and water storage tank construction, and other critical projects that help mitigate flooding and support sewage management, water delivery and other public water necessities.
"Illinoisans deserve access to clean drinking water, no matter their zip code," said U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) in a news release. "This federal support is critical to help Illinoisans have access to safe, sanitary and accessible housing all throughout our state to keep themselves and their families healthy, and I'll keep advocating to help ensure all Illinoisans can access quality housing and clean water."
CDBG funds must be used in areas that do not receive their own funds directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, with most funds benefiting small communities and rural areas. Local governments receive grants from $425,000 to $1.5 million. Preference was given to projects in underserved areas and opportunity zones and to those which proposed a nonstate matching component to drive the maximum investment to the area. When matched with other local funds, the grants will generate repairs valued at more than $55.1 million. A list of recipients can be found here.