The City of Kankakee will present their proposal for OSLAD funding to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Natural Resources Advisory Board subcommittee on January 22, 2019. The City’s plan is among the proposals that have made it thus far in the department’s review process.

 

Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong noted the importance of this project to the City’s downtown and neighborhood redevelopment efforts. “The Riverwalk will help redefine the City of Kankakee as a premier riverfront destination, aid in the expansion of the downtown footprint, and create a signature downtown attraction that once completed, will have ripple effects for both downtown and our neighborhoods.”

 

If approved, the project will be subject to the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) provisions of the State Finance Act, thus providing opportunities for participation by businesses owned by minority, women and persons with disabilities. OSLAD funding will allow the City to begin the design process with community input and prepare for land acquisition and construction. “The Riverwalk will stimulate additional economic development, enhance recreation, and beautify much of our unused riverfront,” according to Wells-Armstrong.

 

The City Council approved the Kankakee Riverwalk project at its July 16, 2018 meeting by a vote of 10-3-1.  

 

For more information, contact Mayor Wells-Armstrong’s office at (815) 933-0500.  Visit us at citykankakee-il.gov.

 

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