Waukegan OKs paperwork to keep state funds flowing into city; ‘Investing in our community means … laying the foundation for long-term growth'
Nearly $6 million flowed to the city of Waukegan for various needs, which included engineering for eventual infrastructure projects that will eventually help to jump-start Mayor Sam Cunningham's Rebuild Waukegan program.
'As part of our Rebuild Waukegan mission, investing in our community means creating lasting opportunities for our residents while laying the foundation for long-term growth,' Cunningham said in an email Wednesday.
Some of the other funds went to the College of Lake County (CLC) for its new five-story student center, the Waukegan Port District to expand its capacity and the Waukegan Park District for the restoration of the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie.
The Waukegan City Council unanimously approved the necessary paperwork on 15 Rebuild Illinois grants during a specially scheduled meeting Monday at City Hall, satisfying IDOT that everything is in the proper order.
'IDOT is very specific with the way it wants things done,' City Engineer Jesus Alquicira said after the meeting.
Alquicira said some of the projects were completed within the last few years, like repaving Sheridan Road in different parts of town. Other grants were for the initial engineering for the rebuilding of the Genesee Street Bridge between Water and Lake streets.
While more detailed engineering must be done before plans can be drawn for the Genesee Street Bridge, more comprehensive engineering on the Belvidere Bridge spanning the Amstutz Expressway is part of the package. It allows for drawing plans and soliciting bids.
From the start of his current term on May 5, Cunningham stressed the need to resurface Washington Street and improve other infrastructure along the roadway. Rebuild Illinois funds will help pay a $951,000 engineering bill for the project, as well as nearly $2.2 million for the 2025 road program.
While CLC, the Port Authority, the Park District and private businesses are all part of ongoing and future projects, Cunningham said it is important the city show everyone involved a commitment to the future.
'It's the city's responsibility to lead by example, by investing in critical infrastructure projects, modernizing services, and advancing beautification efforts that uplift our neighborhoods and business corridors,' he said.
Others have invested in projects within Waukegan since the announcement of the governor's Rebuild Illinois program in 2019, including the new Student Center at CLC. Of the $48 million needed for the midrise, Rebuild Illinois funds accounted for $35.3 million of the tab.
After the city sold the former Carnegie Library to the Park District for $1 five years ago, an assortment of funds helped turn the former book repository into a history museum, restoring the building to what it looked like more than a century ago. Of those funds, $3.75 million came from Rebuild Illinois.
As the city embarks on its Rebuild Waukegan effort, Cunningham said he is proud of partners like CLC, the Port District. the Park District and others whose projects are adding to the quality of life in the community. Some like the Port District add an economic component.
'Investments at Waukegan Harbor and Waukegan National Airport are boosting economic activity and connecting our city to broader regional and global opportunities,' Cunningham said. 'The College of Lake County is fueling workforce development and expanding access to education.'
While some governmental and educational entities are boosting the economy, Cunningham said the Park District enhances the quality of life 'through revitalized parks and recreation programs.'
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