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EDWARDSVILLE - The City learned Monday that it will receive a nearly $2.87 million state grant to rebuild its water and sewer system on a portion of Main Street and to add pedestrian-friendly streetscape improvements.
The grant is part of the Rebuild Illinois (RBI) Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program. Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced Monday that $106 million in capital grants had been awarded to 50 commercial corridors and main streets throughout Illinois.
Edwardsville City officials applied for the grant to replace the 130-year-old water main in the 100 block of Main Street and to make other improvements. Rebuilding the water main, which dates to 1892, will provide adequate flow to all buildings along the route and ensure the integrity and longevity of the system, City officials said.
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Replacing the water main and lining the sewers have been a priority for the City. The grant will cover the construction costs, while the City will pay for the engineering expenses, including design and inspection. There’s no immediate timeframe for the work, but planning is expected to get started soon.
The project also is expected to improve pedestrian accessibility along the route and add safety and convenience features, such as curb bump-outs and additional bicycle racks.
The Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Program is designed to support local commercial corridors with concentrations of downtown businesses that experienced difficulties during the pandemic due to declining foot traffic, tourism and business.
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