Access Road Extension Progressing

At a January 2010 City of Benton Council Meeting, board members approved hiring James Pona & Associates to assist with the development of extending Giacone Drive in West City. Pona will prepare a study that will hopefully define benenfits to both Benton & West City if the roadway was extended around the south end of the Benton Airport runway and then north to connect with North DuQuoin St. The project has been discussed for several years but needs an agreement with West City to use a 500 to 700 foot span of land to connect the road to Benton property. A fact finding meeting was held with Mr. Pona on February 16th at the Benton City Hall where he was provided with maps and other data to assist in his study. It is expected that the report will be completed toward the latter part of March or first of April. Mr. Pona will make a verbal presentation of his findings to the West City Village Trustees at the completion of the study.