Three Whiteside County communities get rural development grants

Rural development grants that target needs in three Whiteside County communities were announced on Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos..

“With these important funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we will continue to support our rural cities and villages by repairing and improving their essential facilities,” said Bustos in a news release.

Odell Public Library in Morrison will get $49,800 to replace the facility’s existing asphalt roof with a metal covering. The library is operated by the city of Morrison. (This project is separate from the library’s ongoing fund-raising campaign to install new flooring).

Prophetstown police will get $20,100 for the purchase of a 2022-model truck that can be used as a patrol vehicle.

The Reagan Community Center in Tampico will get $65,500 to go toward the installation of a new heating and air-conditioning system. The center houses Tampico’s administrative offices, a daycare and the police station. It also is used for community and private events. The HVAC system has six rooftop units, a gas-fired fireplace and AC. The improvement project includes ductwork, electrical wiring and gas piping.

The Gazette and Telegraph reported on Thursday that a different $15,000 USDA facilities disaster grant would also be applied to the HVAC upgrade.

Bustos also announced grants for other communities in the 17th District that she represents, including projects for the Henderson County Library District, and the villages of Lomax, Altona, Carbon Cliff and Lewistown.

The grants were awarded through the USDA’s Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program.