McLean County Times

In 2024, the Town of Normal secured $4 million in grants aimed at infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life improvements.

City Manager Pamela Reece expressed appreciation for the support received from various sources. “We appreciate the support from private entities such as State Farm, as well as state and federal sources. Thanks to the efforts of Town staff, the entire community benefits from grant funds,” Reece said. “I am proud of staff and grateful for their commitment to the citizens of Normal.”

Of the total grant funding, more than $2.7 million is allocated to infrastructure projects. These include stormwater management improvements in Uptown Normal, road improvements along Vernon Avenue, a multi-use path connecting to Chiddix Junior High School, and the installation of a level 3 electric vehicle charging station at Sprague’s Super Service Station.

Nearly $1 million in grants will go toward public safety. The funds will be used to add officers to the Normal Police Department, enhance educational programs, and provide equipment and technology to help deter and investigate crime.

More than $192,000 is dedicated to environmental initiatives and public art. Projects include planting new trees, supporting a mural inside the tunnel of the Uptown Connector/Underpass, and reducing energy use at Town facilities with more efficient vehicles such as an electric utility vehicle.

An additional $78,000 is allocated to the Normal Public Library to increase community access to materials.

The grants were awarded from a range of sources. The FY2024 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill provided $1.55 million for stormwater management improvements in Uptown Normal and strengthening the central business district, as well as $850,000 for road improvements along Vernon Avenue. The U.S. Department of Justice COPS Hiring Program awarded $750,000 for the addition of six police officers.

Other funding includes $248,670 from the Illinois Department of Transportation's Safe Routes to School Campaign for a multi-use path at Chiddix Junior High School, $115,085 from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant for energy efficiency improvements, and $105,000 from the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau for an electric vehicle charging station.

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board provided an $80,900 Recruitment and Retention Grant for law enforcement staffing. The Public Library Per Capita Grant contributed $78,313 to expand access to library materials through participation in a regional consortium.

Additional grants include $70,650 from the Organized Retail Crime Grant for equipment and technology, $51,300 from Federal High Safety Funds for traffic safety patrols, $50,000 from the National Endowment of the Arts for public art, $25,000 from the Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program for tree planting and maintenance, and smaller amounts for law enforcement equipment and environmental projects.

According to the Town’s summary, these efforts are intended to benefit all residents by improving infrastructure, public safety, environmental sustainability, and access to community resources.

“We appreciate the support from private entities such as State Farm, as well as state and federal sources. Thanks to the efforts of Town staff, the entire community benefits from grant funds,” said City Manager Pamela Reece. “I am proud of staff and grateful for their commitment to the citizens of Normal.”

The Town encourages residents who need assistance accessing its programs or facilities to contact ADA Coordinator Mark Clinch by email or phone.