East Peoria's new fire station will cost no more than $3.4 million dollars.
That's per a maximum price agreement the city has struck with River City Construction for the new fire station on Centennial Drive, near Illinois Central College (ICC).
Dan Decker is an East Peoria commissioner and an assistant chief with the fire department.
"This station is not only needed now. It's going to continue to be needed for many years," Decker said. "That location is excellent, and we don't see a decrease in calls anytime soon."
Discussions for a new fire station in the area began more than 30 years ago. Several nursing homes in the area generate a high volume of calls for East Peoria first responders. The nearest fire station is located below the bluff, creating extra wear and tear on the fire vehicles moving up and downhill regularly.
The city council has secured $1.9 million in state grants toward the fire station's construction.
The council also approved a 50-year lease with ICC for the land upon which the fire station will be built, at the rate of $1 a year.
City looks to patch up roadway in 'dire need of attention'
The city of East Peoria is moving to perform long-needed maintenance work on Grange Road between Centennial Drive and U.S. Route 24.
Commissioner Mark Hill said the repairs would be funded in conjunction with the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission through the Surface Transportation Block Grant program.
"This is a heavily-trafficked area for both East Peoria and Washington residents. So it has benefit to at least remill and resurface this," Hill said.
The total costs of the project are projected at just shy of $400,000. The city would cover 20% of the costs plus engineering under the terms of the grant, if approved.
The city estimates resurfacing will add another 10 to 15 years of usable life to the roadway.
