PERU – The pedestrian skyway that the city of Peru wants to build over Route 251 is a need, not a want, according to some city officials. During public comment at Peru’s city council meeting, questions were raised as to how the city will finance its share of the project and maintain the pedestrian path. City Engineer Eric Carls says the city’s public works department is prepared for maintenance like snowfall removal and says the main reason for the connecting path is to provide safer walkways for pedestrians in town.
The city is seeking the maximum grant amount of $3 million dollars and is required to match 20% of the project, or $700,000. Carls says the city is continuing to seek out finding that will pay a significant portion of the project. The grant is through IDOT’s Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program.
