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COLCHESTER, IL – Colchester will apply for a federal Community Development Block Grant to give some dilapidated homes a face-lift.
City councilwoman Frances Welch said the town is working with the Western Illinois Regional Council on the application.
She said, "We will be applying for a rehabilitation grant. And, hopefully, we will be able to rehab maybe seven or eight houses if we get the grant."
Welch said past efforts centered on areas south of U.S. 136. She said this time the effort will target the north side of town.
She is collaborating with Kevin Wiehardt of the WlRC on the grant application. He said many homes that qualify will need lots of work.
He said, "Most homes need to be rewired. They don't meet code. Plumbing's the same way. Don't meet code. So we're looking at the mechanical systems of the home. We look also at the cosmetic, maybe siding."
He said the grant money can also pay for weatherization improvements.
Colchester could receive a maximum grant of $350,000.
Wiehardt said the town has conducted a random survey of the area. The next step will be a door-to-door survey to gauge interest in the program.
Colchester will schedule a public hearing on the program in January.