County staff recommend prioritizing DeBennett Road for Port Infrastructure grant; courthouse remodels and jail chiller work on schedule

LaSalle County staff on Jan. 30 recommended targeting the federal Port Infrastructure Development Grant toward a larger DeBennett Road resurfacing and bridge project rather than a lower‑cost barge‑terminal rehab that would not meet the program’s $1,000,000 minimum.

Don raised the grant notice and asked staff to assess whether both the dock repair and the road project could be combined in a single application. A staff member explained that an applicant may submit only one application and that projects must meet or exceed a $1 million minimum; the barge-terminal repair was estimated at roughly $200,000 and therefore would not qualify on its own. Staff recommended prioritizing DeBennett Road, which serves port access and could be packaged as a larger eligible project.

Staff described DeBennett Road scope: two lifts of asphalt, a 4‑foot paved shoulder each side (described as bicycle accommodation), and replacement or repair of two bridges adjacent to port facilities. One bridge’s deck is rated in poor condition with exposed rebar; staff said an underwater inspection (requiring a diver) could cost about $30,000. Staff also warned that raising roadway elevations to fully mitigate recurring flood impacts would substantially increase the project cost and introduce environmental and historical review requirements that could push costs closer to $20 million.

On county facilities, Wesley reported the downtown courtroom remodels are under way — ceiling fans, lighting and conduit work are in progress — and that the treasurer’s office is being refitted with counters and bulletproof glass in the current budget. Wesley said new pumps have been installed and another pump is under evaluation for repair versus replacement. He confirmed jail chillers are scheduled to be put on site Feb. 12 and that staff will hold a 95% review meeting next week before beginning a 4‑pipe conversion.

Scheduling questions about downtown courthouse completion produced slightly different dates in discussion (March 13 vs. March 16); staff said they will coordinate final dates with judge schedules.

What’s next: Staff said bridge work is expected to be let late this year and roadway work targeted for a January 2028 letting; the committee signaled support for prioritizing DeBennett Road when preparing the Port Infrastructure Development Grant application.