Benton-West City EDC members discuss pri
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Benton-West City Economic Development Corp. board of directors gleaned a bit more information about proposed mine operations on Wednesday.
James R. Morris, vice president of Colt LLC, discussed the Sugar Camp Energy LLC coal operations to be constructed near Thompsonville and Akin, and other projects throughout the nation, one of which is located in Williamson County.
Directors questioned Morris about mine locations, how the high Sulphur-content coal could be utilized, and about the availability of qualified personnel.
Morris said he followed his father's footsteps, saying both had been coal miners. He said mining operations had received national safety ratings. Morris said he had met with Benton city council, Franklin County board members, and Benton Consolidated High School Superintendent Kelly Stewart, proposing to extend both the timeline and acreage of the Enterprise Zone. Morris said the Enterprise Zone needed to be extended beyond the current 10 years.
Morris said the local mining operations would require an extension of the Enterprise Zone, saying the zone needed to extend on Illinois Route 14 east of Benton to the Hamilton County line.
"We have determined the Enterprise Zone should extend along the Illinois Route 37 and Interstate 57 corridor and extend three feet in width to Thompsonville Road from Illinois Route 14," Morris said. "The extended area would run in front of Franklin Hospital."
Morris said construction is expected to begin on the first portal, along Thompsonville Road between November 2007 and July 2008, requiring 297 employees. He said the second portal would be located east of Akin.
"We want to bring coal production back to the level it was in the 1980s," Morris said. "There are about 600 million tons of coal from the former US Steel reserves, operated by the former Old Ben Coal Company, that will be mined," he said. Morris said approximately 300 jobs would be created, and an additional approximate 300 in related areas. He said construction is expected to take between 12 and 18 months.
Morris said the Clean Air Act legislation placed caps on high Sulphur content coal, adding scrubbers would be installed to clean the coal. "Coal will be very low cost, compared to oil and natural gas," Morris said.
He said coal would be produced in Franklin County beginning the end of 2008 and in full operation by 2012.
Director Bud Montgomery asked about the availability of a qualified workforce, saying mine supervisors must be qualified and are in short supply.
Stewart said Rend Lake College offers mining technology courses. Morris said Southeastern Community College in Harrisburg also offers courses. Montgomery said he is excited about the new operations, adding it is long overdue.
Executive Director Dennis Miller said representatives from three entities had met with Evolution Media in Energy to discuss updating the Web site. He said Benton, West City and Benton-West City Chamber of Commerce are interested in being added to the Web page.
Vice-president William Dill said he has access through the administrative portal and has updated all but one of the pages of the Web site. Dill has also offered to help the Chamber of Commerce get their Web page "up and going."
Miller said one of the first things a company does when looking for a new location is to visit the Web site.
"If the community does not have a Web site, the company scratches that place off the list and moves onto another site," Miller said.
Miller also discussed priorities identified by directors, saying eight had responded to a request to list priorities. Miller said five had identified the extension of Giacone Drive as a top priority. Miller said he had contacted Sen. Gary Forby, who had requested a meeting of Benton and West City mayors, and board of directors.
Benton Mayor Gary Kraft said he and commissioners have been working for four years to extend Giacone Drive.
"We are talking about 700 feet of woods between Benton and West City," Kraft said. "The City of Benton offered to build the road. We haven't given up on the idea."
Miller said a comprehensive plan for Benton and West City is also needed in order to move forward with future projects. Kraft said he had looked into the cost, saying the city needs $35,000 to hire a consultant to draft a comprehensive plan. "We are looking to get grant funding for a comprehensive plan," Kraft said.
Stewart said a comprehensive plan is a vital part of economic development, adding communication is even more vital to keep operations running efficiently. She said BCHS is working with Rend Lake College to develop a work-related skills program. Stewart said the level of training needed to be heightened in order to meet the global job market.
In other business, Miller suggested inviting Jefferson County's economic development director to the next meeting, to "see how they function and to help us serve our communities better."
Discussing fund-raising, Miller said no formal fund-raising plan had been developed. Miller said he and other directors had attended West City village board meetings, Benton city council meetings and chamber of commerce meetings to gain monetary support. Miller said each entity is asked to contribute $2,000 each to the corporation
Miller also said he had received a phone call from Benton zoning and coding Administrator Paula Smith, who had requested a letter of support. Kraft explained the letter of support is needed for a proposed 33-unit housing development, to be constructed on the old fairground property.
Kraft said the application would be submitted to Capstone Development in April. He said the proposed $8 million project is very competitive. If constructed, Kraft said homes would be rented for a period of 10 years by prospective homeowners, with an option to buy, adding properties would sell between $135,000 and $150,000 each. Kraft said the single-dwelling homes would have brick fronts, garages, and be located on paved streets. Kraft said the city had agreed to supply water meters free of charge to the developers. Directors voted to support the application. Kraft said the decision would be made in June.
By Mona Sandefur
Staff writer
Miller steps down as EDC executive direc
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Dennis W. Miller, executive director of
Benton-West City Economic Development Corporation, tendered his resignation during Wednesday's luncheon meeting.
Held in the conference room on the first floor of the Franklin Hospital, board President Hervey Davis said Miller had offered to step down, given his April 17 election bid to Benton city council. Miller said he did not want anyone to misconstrue his intent, saying some in the community may view the two positions as a conflict of interest.
Member Bud Montgomery recommended the board accept Miller's resignation with regret. Davis said he and Miller had spoken with vice president William Dill who stated he is willing to serve as executive director.
Board members asked Dill to leave the room while they discussed the matter. Dill was approved and will assume the paid position. Miller said he would remain involved with the EDC board.
Benton zoning and coding administrator Paula Smith presented packets of information concerning a feasibility study for the proposed Tax Increment Financing district. Smith said the packets contain frequently asked questions and answers and a map of the proposed area.
She said the city is conducting a feasibility study as part of the requirements. Smith said a public hearing would be slated in July for further discussion. She said all taxing entities located within the proposed TIF district would be contacted for input and officials would be available during the public hearing to field questions from residents and business owners.
Smith said the district, is approved, would encompass the public square and extend down a portion of East Main Street to the railroad track. She said the potential to extend the district down North Main Street is a possibility, saying more would be forthcoming during the public hearing.
She said the TIF could not be extended down West Main Street, due to the federal building's location. Smith said a TIF could not be established within a specified footage from any federal building. She said the area qualified for a possible TIF district because it is a blighted area.
Davis said the EDC needed to support the district, saying that more businesses are needed in Benton. He said the TIF would improve the community 100 percent. The district will have no bearing on the Hospital, Davis said. Smith said existing businesses to be located within the TIF would be able to expand their businesses with TIF funds.
Smith said letters to property owners located within 750 feet of the proposed TIF would receive certified letters, notifying them of the proposal and the upcoming public hearing.
Davis called for a vote of support, and received unanimous board approval.
Miller also discussed the need for an updated comprehensive plan for Benton. Smith said a comprehensive plan had been completed in 1965 and updated in 1982. She said by state statute, the responsibility lies with the city planning commission to write a comprehensive plan. Smith said because the document is so out-of-date, she is working to obtain pieces of information needed to write another plan.
She said a comprehensive plan includes what a specific community would like to see five, 10, even 50 years down the road. Smith said the plan is cost-prohibitive, saying it would cost the city between $35,000 and $50,000 to complete the study.
Miller said the EDC executive committee had met with Benton and West City mayors to discuss the need for a comprehensive plan. He said discussion among board members and the two mayors also surrounds the need for an access road to connect Giacone Drive in West City, or a similar location, to Benton streets.
By Mona Sandefur
Staff writer
EDC directors discuss future projects, e
Benton-West City Economic Development Corp. directors held their annual meeting Wednesday, listed priorities for the new year and elected officers.
Treasurer Steve Woodfin reported $4,575 currently in the bank, saying he had received a $1,000 contribution from West City-Benton Wal-Mart SuperCenter that would be deposited.
Chairman Derek Johnson reminded members that one of the major expenses, liability insurance, would be due in July. Johnson said the premium is $1,000.
"We have a goal of $12,000 to raise," Johnson said. "We have raised $4,750, including the $1,000 contribution from Wal-Mart. Johnson reported that eight businesses and nine directors had made contributions.
Johnson said executive director Dennis Miller is owed another $2,000 of his $6,000 annual salary, authorizing Woodfin to issue a check. Johnson said Miller receives $500 monthly.
Johnson said an additional $4,700 is needed in funding, saying directors need to get on the "fund-raising bandwagon again." Director Hervey Davis suggested contacting city governments for contributions.
Guest David Bauer reported on the activities of Franklin County Regional Economic Development saying members had met with the Jefferson County Development Corporation. Bauer said Jefferson County's development corporation raises $150,000 from Mt. Vernon every year, adding $100,000 is from business and industry, with the remainder derived from public and private units. "There are more than 60 businesses and individuals who contribute between $100 and $1,000 to be part of Jefferson County's development corporation," Bauer said.
Miller recommended directors discuss fund-raising activities during the next meeting, slated for Wednesday, March 14.
Johnson reported that he had contacted prospective officers for 2007, saying all had agreed to serve. Officers elected include Hervey Davis as president, William Dill as vice-president, Dick Rice as secretary and Steve Woodfin returning as treasurer. Johnson said that newly elected officers would assume their positions following the annual meeting.
Directors also approved the nominations of five directors to serve a three-year term ending 2009. Elected to serve were John Huffman, Robert Taylor, Rex Rowland, Paula Smith and William Dill.
Miller directed the continued discussion of Giacone Drive expansion, saying he had tried to obtain support information, without success. Miller invited directors to attend the next West City Village board meeting, slated for Feb. 5, in West City Village Hall, to discuss expansion with village trustees. Miller said he had met with West City Mayor Lee Roy Mumbower, who stated that he was in favor of Giacone Drive expansion, pending what Benton officials are willing to do. Davis suggested directors approach West City for additional funding.
Miller reported that changes are being made to the EDC Web page, with Davis' assistance.
Under new business, Miller reported that he and other directors had met with Jeff Forbes, developer of West City Crossing and Applebee's Grill & Bar, about Giacone Drive expansion. "Jeff has developed properties all over the state," Miller said. "We talked about the possibilities and limitations and the potential for expansion. Jeff sounded very favorable."
Miller also reported that he had met with Jim Morris, vice-president of Colt, LLC, developer of Sugar Camp Mine. Miller said Morris has 35 years of experience in the mining industry. Miller said Colt, LLC has opened a coal mine near Johnston City that is now producing coal, adding the company would be constructing Sugar Camp Mine, a 14 million capacity underground mine to be located on the Akin Blacktop. Miller said the mine is to begin initial construction this year, should begin initial production in June 2008 or 2009 and be in full production in 2010.
Directors also talked about the need for an enterprise zone. Johnson said getting all taxing bodies on board is the key to creating an enterprise zone. Bauer said someone associated with EDC should contact all taxing bodies, including the school districts, about the benefits of an enterprise zone.
Bauer also reported concern with FREDCO funding, saying Sesser, Zeigler and Christopher had been faithful with their contributions, whereas the east side of the county had not come forward. Bauer said Rend Lake Conservancy District trustees, West Frankfort officials and Jefferson County board officials had elected not to continue funding FREDCO. "Benton and West City have paid only part of their funding," Bauer said. "I don't know how much longer FREDCO can go without funding."
Bauer said FREDCO is a 501C-3 corporation, and has been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture to issue $750,000 in revolving loan funds. "The maximum loan to a business is $150,000," Bauer said. "We get the revolving loans at 1-percent interest and charge 4 percent interest, but we have not issued revolving loans yet."
Johnson said priorities for the year include Giacone Drive expansion, to have more office hours and the need for an exit ramp on Petroff Road. Johnson discussed the possibility of locating the federal building on Petroff Road, furthering the necessity for an exit ramp. Johnson said EDC directors have no control over where the federal building is located.
By Mona Sandefur
Staff writer
EDC board of directors discuss proposed
Meeting in regular session Wednesday, a number of the 21-member board of directors of the Benton-West City Economic Development Corporation Inc. gathered in a Franklin Hospital meeting room.
Steve Woodfin, finance chairman, reported deposits have been made toward the fund-raising campaign. Woodfin said the corporation has received $500 from U.S. Bank, $1,000 from Robert and Rosie Rice, $500 from Custom Stainless, $250 from F.B. McAfoos, $200 from Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, $250 from Infoserver, $250 from Town & Country True Value, and $250 from Illini Asphalt. Woodfin said John Moreland had also agreed to support EDC, adding he is trying to make other contacts.
Woodfin also reported he is receiving support from individual directors, although making a contribution is not mandatory. Woodfin said he has received $50 contributions from Bob Hutchens, Derek Johnson, Robert Taylor, Larry Miller and Woodfin.
Dennis Miller, executive director, reported a new sign has been installed at the Community Building, home of EDC headquarters. Miller said the sign, installed by Marty Shadowen, hangs directly below the Community Building signage at the corner of the lot. Miller said the Community Building staff had generously donated office space. Miller invited directors who have not visited to stop by and see the large office.
Miller said one of his goals is to improve and update the Web page.
"We still have the same Web page," Miller said. "We have had one person talk to us about updating the Web page. I have made another contact. We need to make the Web page more user friendly." Miller said the Web site is currently managed through Evolution Media in Herrin.
Board member Hervey Davis said Benton mayor Gary Kraft and West City mayor Lee Roy Mumbower have discussed construction of an access road to connect with North DuQuoin Street, saying the two have a verbal agreement.
"Mayor Mumbower asked the city of Benton to pay part of the cost of the North Central Street project and Mayor Kraft said the city would agree to pay a portion of the cost," Davis said. "Mayor Kraft said the city is working to obtain a grant to get the access road in."
Davis said Kraft was asked to put together a contract or intergovernmental agreement and would be asking EDC to present the agreement to the West City Village Board for review and signature.
With FREDCO board member Dave Bauer in attendance, Davis said FREDCO would be involved when the project advances to that level.
"Even if EnviroPower were to develop property tomorrow, we do not have an agreement or a contract for the development," Davis said.
Davis said he has an appointment to meet with West City-Benton Wal-Mart SuperCenter representatives about the access road, saying the Wal-Mart marketing department is questioning why more development has not occurred on North Central Street.
Bauer said FREDCO members had met with Rend Lake Conservancy District trustees, Mayor Kraft and EnviroPower representatives several weeks ago and had presented layouts of airport runway expansion across the FREDCO industrial park land. Bauer said the 360-acre parcel of land designated to FREDCO by RLCD is located adjacent to the Interstate 57 overpass on Marcum Branch Road.
"EnviroPower wants to move the airport to the FREDCO Industrial Park because they want to extend the runway to 5,000 feet and need an additional 1,000 feet on each end," Bauer said. "They did not do their homework right and the plan is not satisfactory to RLCD or to FREDCO. The layout proposed by EnviroPower uses all 360 acres and a portion of the land is where RLCD wants to add another 9 holes to its golf course and possibly add more condos.
"We all agree that moving the airport is good for everyone," Bauer said. "But FREDCO can't commit until EnviroPower is further along with the development and layout project."
Member Frances Wilson said discussion to move the airport started 10 years ago.
"The airport is on prime property that needs to be developed," Wilson said.
Miller said the access road would be located parallel to the existing airport runway and would not require an overpass to connect to North DuQuoin Street. "We need to draft an intergovernmental agreement and present it to both city councils," Miller said.
Hutchens asked who would build the airport and how long would the construction project take.
Miller said EnviroPower would purchase the existing airport property and sell it for development purposes. "Some of that property is not owned by the airport," Miller said. "Forty acres of that is owned by Benton and some of the property is owned by individuals. Some of the land was donated to Mike Kearney for development in exchange for another parcel of land located within the city. Benton Civic and Industrial Authority owns some of the property, not the airport. The city owns to Petroff Road but there is a triangle of land between Wal-Mart and the Interstate where some of it is owned by the city and some of it is owned by West City."
Woodfin said if the property is turned over to EnviroPower, the airport property would be sold to pay to relocate the airport. Woodfin said the airport relocation project would cost between 5 and 7 million dollars.
Bauer said EnviroPower sighted concerns about the height of its smokestack and the conflicting flight pattern as reasons a power plant could not be constructed near the existing airport.
"It is important that we continue to be a rational voice in our community," Davis said. "Both Mayor Mumbower and West City zoning and coding administrator Alan Thomas appreciate the opportunity to meet and talk with the city of Benton about the project and we are glad to act as an intermediary."
Members also discussed paying Miller, saying Miller has been serving as executive director for the past six months without pay. Members agreed to pay Miller contract labor for four of the six months.
Members also toured a portion of the hospital that is being converted to meeting space. Davis led the group down the corridor located adjacent to laboratory skilled care. Davis said the former laundry room is being converted to administrative office space and a conference room for future EDC meetings.
EDC meets six times per year, every other month, in the Franklin Hospital. The next meeting is slated for Wednesday, Sept. 13, at noon in the newly completed conference room. Woodfin extended an invitation to board members not in attendance.
By Mona Sandefur
Staff writer
Benton-West City EDC applaud new roadway
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Benton-West City Economic Development Corp. board of directors expressed gratitude about two new roadways and additional economic opportunity during Wednesday's quarterly meeting.
Gary Kraft and Board president Hervey Davis reported an extension to Industrial Park Road, east of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc., had been completed. Kraft said dirt had been removed, followed by layers of rock, with an oil-and-chip coating. He said two businesses would be added to the rear of Custom Stainless Steel Inc.
Kraft also reported another roadway located on North Central Street, leads to another construction site. He said Ken Sentel has purchased one lot, with an option on three more to construct three businesses, leading to an additional 51 future jobs. Kraft said 13-five acre plots within the 80-acre parcel of land would be subdivided.
Directors agree that work needed to continue on an access road connecting Benton and West City near the Wal-Mart SuperCenter. Kraft said conversations between he and West City Mayor Lee Roy Mumbower are progressing.
As a side note, member John Huffman announced he officially became a grandfather for the first time at 1:22 p.m. on Monday, adding he plans to spoil the eight-pound girl.
Executive director William Dill reported he has updated Web pages for EDC, Benton, and West City, saying more work is needed.
"West City's Web site operates differently than Benton," he said. "There are a lot of misunderstandings about what the Web site will and will not do. You almost have to know what questions to ask sometimes in order to find what you are looking for."
Dill recommended adding the Web site address to all literature and letterhead to attract attention. He also said he is discussing improvements to the Benton-West City Area Chamber of Commerce Web page to improve visibility and to attract attention to the site.
Directors expressed appreciation to Dill for his commitment and agreed the Web site address should be added to all EDC materials.
Treasurer Steve Woodfin reported membership fees are being received, following notices sent for payment.
Dill also asked for volunteers to serve on an ad hoc committee to visit businesses. He said former executive director Dewey Colter had started the process, adding he wanted to renew the practice. Davis, Paula Smith, Dick Rice and Woodfin volunteered their services.
He also reported receiving a visit from a Clear Wave Communication representative. Dill said the representative explained the function of the company, adding he would evaluate EDC's phone and Internet service bills to provide a competitive bid.
Benton-West City EDC board votes to chan
By Mona Sandefur Staff writer mona@neondsl.com
During the quarterly meeting, Benton-West City
Economic Development Corp. board of directors
voted to switch telecommunication carriers.
Executive director William Dill said a proposal
submitted by Clear Wave Communications would save
$102 per year. Dill said others had switched carriers and did not see a difference, except their telephone bills decreased a few dollars. "We could have the call forwarding feature added for $4 more," he said. In other business, members discussed the questionnaire provided to businesses. "The original questionnaire was lengthy and allowed for statistical analysis," he said. "Some of the information is outdated and the questionnaire needs improvement." Dill asked members to e-mail comments and suggestions for improvement to him. Members also conducted a first reading of bylaw changes. The pledge has changed from $25 to $50 annually and the composition of the board is also changing, Dill said. The number of permanent voting seats is decreasing from four to three. Two seats will be represented by the chief elected official or appointed council member of the Benton and West City, with the third seat filled by a representative of the Benton-West City Chamber of Commerce. Members also reviewed the 2008 calendar, noting Jan. 9 as the date for the annual meeting. In other matters, the board of directors approved a letter of support for a 32-single-family affordable home development, proposed by Capstone Development Group. Director Paula Smith said the city is seeking support for the development to be located on the former fairground property at the intersection of Bailey Lane and Renshaw Drive. Smith said developers have constructed other housing units in Southern Illinois. She said city commissioners are to vote on the project during the Nov. 26 meeting.
Benton-West City EDC board votes to chan
By Mona Sandefur
Staff writer
mona@neondsl.com
During the quarterly meeting, Benton-West City Economic Development Corp. board of directors voted to switch telecommunication carriers. Executive director William Dill said a proposal submitted by Clear Wave Communications would save $102 per year.
Dill said others had switched carriers and did not see a difference, except their telephone bills decreased a few dollars.
"We could have the call forwarding feature added for $4 more," he said.
In other business, members discussed the questionnaire provided to businesses. "The original questionnaire was lengthy and allowed for statistical
analysis," he said. "Some of the information is outdated and the questionnaire needs improvement." Dill asked members to e-mail comments and
suggestions for improvement to him.
Members also conducted a first reading of bylaw changes. The pledge has changed from $25 to $50 annually and the composition of the board is also
changing, Dill said. The number of permanent voting seats is decreasing from four to three. Two seats will be represented by the chief elected official or
appointed council member of the Benton and West City, with the third seat filled by a representative of the Benton-West City Chamber of Commerce.
Members also reviewed the 2008 calendar, noting Jan. 9 as the date for the annual meeting.
In other matters, the board of directors approved a letter of support for a 32-single-family affordable home development, proposed by Capstone
Development Group. Director Paula Smith said the city is seeking support for the development to be located on the former fairground property at the
intersection of Bailey Lane and Renshaw Drive. Smith said developers have constructed other housing units in Southern Illinois. She said city
commissioners are to vote on the project during the Nov. 26 meeting.
Benton-West City EDC board votes to chan
By Mona Sandefur
Staff writer
mona@neondsl.com
During the quarterly meeting, Benton-West City Economic Development Corp. board of directors voted to switch telecommunication carriers. Executive director William Dill said a proposal submitted by Clear Wave Communications would save $102 per year.
Dill said others had switched carriers and did not see a difference, except their telephone bills decreased a few dollars.
"We could have the call forwarding feature added for $4 more," he said.
In other business, members discussed the questionnaire provided to businesses. "The original questionnaire was lengthy and allowed for statistical
analysis," he said. "Some of the information is outdated and the questionnaire needs improvement." Dill asked members to e-mail comments and
suggestions for improvement to him.
Members also conducted a first reading of bylaw changes. The pledge has changed from $25 to $50 annually and the composition of the board is also
changing, Dill said. The number of permanent voting seats is decreasing from four to three. Two seats will be represented by the chief elected official or
appointed council member of the Benton and West City, with the third seat filled by a representative of the Benton-West City Chamber of Commerce.
Members also reviewed the 2008 calendar, noting Jan. 9 as the date for the annual meeting.
In other matters, the board of directors approved a letter of support for a 32-single-family affordable home development, proposed by Capstone
Development Group. Director Paula Smith said the city is seeking support for the development to be located on the former fairground property at the
intersection of Bailey Lane and Renshaw Drive. Smith said developers have constructed other housing units in Southern Illinois. She said city
commissioners are to vote on the project during the Nov. 26 meeting.
Benton-West City EDC board sets goals fo
During the March Board of Directors meeting held on the 19th, members heard about 2008 goals from Chairman Dick Rice. The three goals established by the Executive Committee are; 1) Resume Giacone Drive extension discussions, 2) Begin the application process to acquire an interchange at I-57 and Petroff Rd., 3) Develop a marketing plan for land acquired from the dissolved Benton Civic and Industrial Association.
The extension of Giacone Drive, which is directly south of the West City Wal Mart store, has been discussed over the past few years. It would continue east around the south end of the Benton Airport and then north to eventually connect with North DuQuoin St. This would provide another avenue for people to enter and exit the West City shopping and restaurant areas from the northeast section of Benton. It would also afford retail expansion east of the airport that would be visible from I-57. Benefits would be far reaching for both communities.
An interchange at I-57 and Petroff Road was initated over 10 years ago and failed. We believe it is time to re-visit that effort to ease the traffic flow on North Central St. in West City and around the Public Square in Benton. Considerable truck traffic from existing businesses would find relief with another option to enter and exit I-57.
The Benton Civic and Industrial Association dissolved in February 2008 after a nearly 40 year existence. The association was founded to develop an industrial park located on the northeast side of Benton. Having been inactive for the last 10 years, the association dissolved and bequeathed it's assets to the Benton/West city EDC. Two primary parcels of land, 20 acres located near the Benton Industrial Park and 30 acres located on the northeast edge of the Benton Airport are good locations for business development.
EDC Exec Comm Urging Access Road Movemen
The Benton/West City EDC Executive Committee met individually with officials from both the Benton and West City boards to discuss the effort to extend Giacone Drive. Several meetings have been held over the last 2-3 years attempting to negotiate terms that would give the City of Benton the ability to extend Giacone Drive east, on the south side of Wal-Mart, around the south end of the Benton Airport and then north to eventually connect with DuQuoin St. An intergovernmental agreement is needed from the Village of West City for a section of property around 700 feet long to connect the street to property owned by Benton. The economic benefit of businesses that would be able to locate along this road can be nothing but positive for both communities. The Executive Committee is planning a joint meeting with city officials in the near future.
