By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (June 6, 2021) – The Village of Lansing has made preliminary plans to use over $900,000 in Rebuild Illinois money to fund its street resurfacing program next year.
Rebuild Illinois is a capital development bill that was signed in June of 2019, and promised $45 billion would be spent on roads, bridges, railroads, universities, early childhood centers and state facilities through 2025.
Lansing has received the first four of six disbursements of Rebuild Illinois funds, in the amount of $1,244,749.60. The first three disbursements — totaling $933,562.20 — is currently marked to be used for next year’s street resurfacing efforts, said Village of Lansing officials during last Tuesday’s Village Board meeting.
The Village’s budget for the next financial year is still in draft form, and will officially be adopted in the coming weeks.
Village Engineer Jeff Pintar told the Village Board last Tuesday that the Rebuild Illinois money allows Lansing to expand its street resurfacing plan next year.
“We’re looking at about a two-and-a-half- to three-mile program this year,” he said. “That’s more than what we’ve done. I think last year, we spent about $650,000. We’re looking to increase that to near $950,000 for resurfacing.”
“This is money that’s in the bank. It pays for resurfacing and engineering so it’s really not coming out of any of the other funds, not water, not sewer, not general. … That’s new money we didn’t have last year,” Pintar said.
Street resurfacing is not as invasive as replacing a road entirely. The process entails grinding down a couple of inches of asphalt and replacing it, as well as adjusting curbs, manholes, and other issues as needed.
Pintar also mentioned $45,000 planned for crack filling and $65,000 for pavement sealing, explaining that both of these regular maintenance items help keep newer streets in good condition.
The Village Board meets next on Tuesday, June 15 at 7 p.m. in the Lansing Courtroom (2710 170th Street).
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Please consider resurfacing Madison Street, as it has been in horrible condition for a very long time. Our drainage system needs immediate attention , as when it rains, the rain pools up on the surface and does not drain into sewer.. Thank You, your Concerned and tax paying Homeowner.
Many years ago, our village sticker price was raised from $15 per car to $30 per car. The extra money was to be used to repair our streets. Now the stickers are $45 per car and we’re still waiting for the streets in my area to be repaired. They are in horrible condition. What a bunch of bologna. (Ridge to 185th between Chicago and School)
Please repave ridgewood av between 186th and ridge rd this street is horrible,and has been for years.