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City authorizes Pigash Engineering to pursue IDNR AusLED grant for West Riverwalk land acquisition
Summary
Council authorized Pigash Engineering to apply for an IDNR AusLED grant to acquire land for the West Riverwalk project; because the city now appears on the state disadvantaged community list, the grant would cover 90% of costs.
The council approved a resolution authorizing Pigash Engineering to prepare and submit an Illinois Department of Natural Resources AusLED grant application to support land acquisition for the West Riverwalk riverfront expansion. City engineer Pigash told the council that the city’s status on the state’s disadvantaged‑community ranking has shifted, making the city eligible for a higher match rate; the AusLED program would provide a 90% grant share this year, with the city responsible for the remaining 10%.
Why it matters: A 90% grant substantially reduces the city’s capital outlay required to acquire property identified in the riverfront master plan and accelerates the West Riverwalk project. The council and staff presented this as a timely opportunity to close out property acquisitions while leveraging state funding.
Council action and next steps: The council approved the Pigash proposal by roll call (recorded as unanimous among members present). Pigash will prepare the grant application and lead required project documentation. If funded, the grant would pay most of the costs to acquire parcels that the master plan identifies for public riverfront use.
Clarifying details: Council materials referenced a prior AusLED application year (circa 2019) when the city previously qualified for a 50% grant; the city’s current placement on the disadvantaged list raises the potential award to 90%. No dollar figure for the acquisition was included in the council resolution that night.
