ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — After years of planning, the City of Rock Island is ready to give the downtown district a new look.
On Monday, April 15, crews broke ground on the $8.7 million dollar project. The extensive plan includes the rebuilding of streets on four blocks, with new sidewalks, outdoor spaces, art and a new roundabout added in the area.
Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms spoke at the ceremony, but the community also heard from others involved in the planning of the renovation. That included the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce.
"I'll say about a decade ago, [the area] was very vibrant, we were an industry leader," Thoms said. "Now is the time to reinvent ourselves and create this new vibrant area."
The project is funded by $3.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, more than $3.2 million in state grants, and $1.5 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District funds.
Thoms said investing in the renovation now will generate revenue for the city, helping to fund other projects in town.
"When you get businesses located here, the value of property goes up. We get more property tax. You get sales tax. You get more people coming to your city. That helps economic development, that affords us to be able to repair more streets," Thoms said.
Planners are looking to build everything by the end of 2024. You can learn more about the project here.
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