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| Wait for Demolition Grant Funds Six Months and Counting |
A major project slated to take place in Abingdon's downtown area to alleviate a safety hazard is still idle thanks to the state of Illinois.
The Abingdon City Council six months ago applied for a $200,000 Community Development Assistance Program - or CDAP grant - through the Western Illinois Regional Council, of which Abingdon is a member. The city is seeking the state money to tear down several buildings on the west side of the 100 block of South Main Street. The buildings, all owned by the city now, are dangerous and were long ago recommended for the wrecking ball.
Mayor Roger Stegall told the city council Monday night that he gets the same answer over and over again when he inquires about the status of the money. "We're waiting on the state, we're waiting on the state, so we decided we'd go to the state and see what they could do."
The state Stegall referred to is State Representative Don Moffitt, who he and Alderman Ronnie Steele spoke to recently about the issue and have asked to intervene on behalf of the city.
Steele says Abingdon's not alone. Four municipalities that are part of the WIRC are waiting on five grants from the state.
Alderman Ron Stambaugh says he's afraid the city won't get the money because the state is broke. Stegall says Abingdon will have a problem if the funding doesn't come through.
"We already have approximately $100,000 of city money invested in those buildings," Stegall said. "If we have to invest another $150,000 there's gonna be a lot of discussion on that I'm sure."
Steele says Moffitt told him and Stegall that he'd see what he could find out about the grant and to stay in touch. |
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| 11 17 09 by Newsroom |
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