Aurora To Receive $3M State Grant For Downtown Improvements

AURORA, IL — Aurora will receive $3 million from the state's Rebuild Illinois capital program for improvements along Broadway Avenue, officials said Thursday.

Aurora's grant is part of the $215 million awarded to 50 communities across the state as part of the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Grant program. The grant is intended to support projects that will revitalize commercial hubs, modernize downtowns, address infrastructure needs and boost jobs, according to state officials.

"I am thrilled to announce that we are doubling last year's investment in our Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Grant program to include over 50 communities throughout Illinois to modernize downtowns, address long-awaited infrastructure needs, and boost local economies — in turn, bettering the quality of life for our state's residents," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a statement.

In downtown Aurora, the money will be used on three areas: improving sidewalks, replacing outdated infrastructure and reconfiguring traffic lanes along Route 25/Broadway Avenue.

With the streetscape improvements to sidewalks, city officials said Thursday the goal is to improve safety, better wayfinding signage, calm traffic and enhance outdoor dining experiences.

Reconfiguring traffic is also intended to improve safety for vehicles and pedestrians. Geometric and signal improvements will be made to support the one-way to two-way traffic conversion on New York Street and Galena Boulevard, according to staff.

Infrastructure improvements include removing lead water service lines and separating the city's stormwater collection system from the sanitary sewer system.

"We are thrilled about this announcement," Mayor Richard Irvin said. "This grant will support the reconfiguration and beautification of the Route 25/ Broadway Ave. business corridor and further fuel economic activity. The improvements in our downtown have proven to have a ripple effect throughout the city."

City officials said full plans and a timeline will be announced soon.