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Council accepts state grants for downtown lighting, paving, beautification and drainage; approves related agreements
Summary
The council approved several state appropriations totaling more than $1 million for downtown street lighting, an asphalt overlay, landscaping on North Morrison, drainage improvements and recreation operations; staff outlined next steps and coordination with DOTD and downtown design review.
The Hammond City Council unanimously accepted multiple state appropriations secured with the help of Representative Muscarello and approved related resolutions and cooperative agreements. The package included:
- $600,000 for downtown historic street lighting along Thomas Street to support a multi-year lighting project and design work; staff said they will follow RFP/RFQ processes and involve downtown design review. - $200,000 for an asphalt overlay of Kate Street between East Hanson Avenue and East Robert Street, with staff exploring contract piggybacking to reduce procurement costs. - $150,000 for beautification and landscaping along North Morrison Boulevard (north of the train tracks to University Avenue), to calm traffic and provide more distinct entrances and planting strips. - $100,000 for drainage improvements in the downtown area between West Church Street and West Thomas Street (exact east–west limits to be finalized with the representative and DOTD). - $75,000 for recreation department operations to support after‑school programming.
Council members asked about maintenance responsibilities for landscaping and whether DOTD or the city would assume upkeep; staff said some DOTD right‑of‑way mowing is managed under the city’s contract with DOT and that maintenance responsibilities will be clarified in project agreements. The council approved the resolutions and directed staff to begin engineering and design work as soon as possible.
