$4 million grant helps Pekin takes next step in extension of major business thoroughfare

The Illinois Department of Transportation will provide $4 million in grant funding to Pekin for a road engineering project that will help connect some of the city’s major business corridors.

The Pekin’s City Council on Monday approved entrance into a local public agency agreement with IDOT, meaning the city will receive grant money that will cover 80% of the engineering of extention of Veterans Drive between Sheridan Road and Interstate 474.

According to Pekin city manager John Dossey, the city must commit $1 million to funding the remainder of the project, which is estimated to cost $5 million in total.

“This project was chosen by Representative Darin LaHood for funding, as he has been a long-time supporter,” Dossey said.

Pekin city engineer Josie Esker said the project will include planning and design work. The goal is to have plans and specifications in place for Veterans Drive from Sheridan Road to Illinois Route 98 and from IL-98 to I-474.

“Having the engineering work done improves our chances for a successful grant application for construction dollars and will help move up the timeline of construction if grant money is received,” she added.

The engineering is set to begin in early 2025. Esker estimated the project will take about two years. Early this year, the council approved a $14 million purchase of land that will be used as part of the project.

“The City of Pekin has great potential to become a greater economic force in the region, and the construction of Veterans Drive to Interstate 474 will enhance this potential,” Esker said. “This extension provides the link from the eastern retail corridor of the city of Pekin and to major employers located on the south side of Pekin.”

The council passed the resolution 5-1, with council member Rick Hilst opposing the action. Council member Lloyd Orrick was not present.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Pekin, Illinois, to receive $4 million IDOT grant for Veterans Drive engineering

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