The McLean County Highway Department is planning to transfer what is now McLean County Highway 19 (Division St.) from US Route 24 north to Old Route 66 to the City of Chenoa. The McLean County Board is being asked by staff to approve signing an agreement regarding the matter at tonight’s monthly board meeting.
The County Highway Department is planning to resurface the northern part of Highway 19 in Chenoa. In 2020, the Highway Department reconstructed the south part of Highway 19 in the city from Boles Ave. to US Route 24.
After completion of work on the south part of Highway 19 the City of Chenoa took over the jurisdiction of the south section of roadway. McLean County paid Chenoa $225,000 in 2021 for the ongoing costs associated with the the jurisdictional transfer of Division Street.
Similarly after completion of the resurfacing project on the north part of Highway 19, the county plans to transfer that portion of roadway. As a result the roadway will officially be known as only Division St. within the city limits.
Before this can happen the Illinois Department of Transportation requires an Intergovernmental Agreement be entered into between the parties. This is necessary because American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are involved in the project. As part of the agreement McLean County will transfer $250,000 of ARPA funds for Chenoa to use on watermain facilities in this north section of roadway that need replaced,
The agreement would put in writing plans regarding the design and construction work to be completed by McLean County, the use of the ARPA funds for infrastructure improvements and the future jurisdictional transfer of Division Street to the City of Chenoa.
Afterwards the City will accept jurisdiction for Division Street and upon making the transfer McLean County shall have no further responsibility for repair, maintenance or improvement and no authority over these portions of Division Street.
This is a win-win for both McLean County and Chenoa as the county saves on future maintenance costs and the city gains control of the street.
