The Village of Peoria Heights has been awarded two grants totaling more than $760,000 for accessibility improvements to Glen Avenue.
Specifically, the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission has approved two grants – one for $653,271 in Transportation Alternative Set-Aside and $107,278 in a Surface Transportation Block Grant – for ramp reconstruction on East Glen Avenue that meets Americans With Disability Act (ADA) standards. Tri-County is the administrative agent for federal transportation funds in the Peoria-Pekin Urbanized Area.
The Village applied for the grant last spring for a project estimated at $1.13 million in total. There will be a local match, specifically undetermined at this time, though it was previously ballparked at about $250,000.
Glen Avenue represents a very important corridor in Peoria Heights, as it is either home to or touches the schools campus, the Peoria Heights Public Library, Village Hall, Tower Park and the Central Business District. Meanwhile, it also is intersected by the Rock Island Greenway.
This investment represents the first phase of a project that aims for the complete restoration of the length of the road from basically Prospect Road to Knoxville Avenue through the Village, making it safer for vehicles and pedestrians and more conducive to active modes of transportation including bikers.
“We’re just very pleased to receive this grant, and grateful to the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission for recognizing this important need in the Village of Peoria Heights,” said Mayor Michael Phelan. “Updating aging infrastructure in the Village is a major priority for us, and with the help of grants like this one, we are making significant progress. We intend for that to continue, making Peoria Heights an even better place to live, work and invest.”
“The improvements to Glen Avenue perfectly align with the goals of our
Active Transportation Plan, which focuses on making our streets safer
and more accessible for walking, biking, and connecting neighborhoods
to schools, parks, and businesses,” said Danny Phelan, the Peoria County Board member whose District 9 covers the Village of Peoria Heights. He also serves on Tri-County’s Executive Board.
“What’s even more exciting is that this project isn’t just about fixing
problems, it’s about building a vision for the future. After hearing
feedback from the public, the Village is taking a crucial first step
toward creating a more accessible, walkable and bike-friendly
community,” Phelan added. “I’m especially proud of the teamwork involved in securing this grant. With funding like this being so competitive, being awarded $760,000 is a significant achievement and a big win for our Village. … It feels especially gratifying to see funding like this come back to a district I represent.
“This isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about creating a healthier,
more sustainable, and economically vibrant future for our community.”
For more information on this and other projects, please feel free to contact Community Development Director Wayne Aldrich at 309-686-2385 or at waldrich@f-w.com.