A possible road use agreement for construction work on a solar panel farm was discussed Monday at the Macomb City Council’s committee of the whole meeting. Public Works Director Alice Ohrtmann said this would be the second road use agreement from a solar company. Argyle Lake Solar will set up its panels on a field near Collins Avenue. Ohrtmann said the company would pay Macomb for construction equipment use of West Grant Street and Deer Road.
Ohrtmann also discussed the second phase of Macomb’s 2025 street improvement projects. She said work could begin in summer, 2026 on such projects as construction and repair of Lafayette Street sidewalks, resurfacing of the street surrounding Bayberry Lane, and resurfacing of University Drive beginning at Q-Lot.
The public works director also discussed an offfer to the city council next week for submission of a $350,000 grant application to the federal “Safe Routes to School” program. Ohrtmann said $250,000 would pay for infrastructure work within a two mile radius of Lincoln School. The other $100,000 would pay for a survey of needs surrounding other schools in Macomb.
Ohrtmann said she will ask the city council next week to apply for an Illinois Revolving Fund loan to support construction of Macomb’s new water plant. She said Macomb would receive a $37 million loan, with a forgiveness of repayment of $5 million.
Mayor Mike Inman said he has received information about more than $2.7 million in federal earmark grants that have been reserved for Macomb. The grants include $1 million for lead service line replacements, $140,000 for an Amtrak station upgrade, and $1.6 million for storm sewer improvements.
