Keokuk, IA – Keokuk is planning some major improvements for its downtown district.
The city's Main Street Reconstruction project could be finished next year.
The first three phases consisted of rebuilding Main Street from 35th St. to 7th St. and adding new sidewalks, curbs, and period lighting along the highway from 14th St. to 4th St.
The final phase calls for the sidewalks, curbs, and period lighting to be extended along Main Street from 4th St. to the bridge spanning the Mississippi River.
Mayor Dave Gudgel says the federal government is ready to give the city the unspent money from the previous projects, anywhere from $350,000 to $500,000 to complete the work.
The Main Street Reconstruction Project got underway in 2002.
Meanwhile, throwing away trash in Keokuk's downtown district could be a little more pleasant as 48 new trash receptacles will soon line Main Street from 14th St. to 2nd St.
Main Street Keokuk's Executive Director Joyce Glasscock says the receptacles, which will be the same color as the city's new period lighting stands, are scheduled to arrive in Keokuk in two months.
Design Committee Chairman Jay Zetterlund says the idea is to improve the look of the downtown district while providing a needed service.
He says the solid-steel receptacles will weigh more than 300 lbs.
Glasscock says Main Street Keokuk will use money collected through its Can-Can recycling program and funds from the city to cover the roughly $65,000 price tag.