Additionally, Henry County is expanding broadband connectivity, a vital resource for modern agriculture. “A lot of farming is done by the internet,” explains Breeden.“I was just in a combine yesterday and was amazed at how far we have come from the days of horses. The acreage is already GPS mapped, and it just takes the combine where it needs to be. It’s amazing, and it is all because of the broadband that we’re able to offer.” Kelly reports that $3.2 million from Cares Act funding was earmarked for high-speed internet expansion, providing access to rural communities and heavily populated corridors throughout the county. Henry County’s commitment to connectivity didn’t stop there. In partnership with Geneseo Communications and Woodhull Telephone, the county secured nearly $10 million in state grants and contributed an additional $1 million towards a project to further extend broadband to deep rural areas. role in Henry County’s economic development strategy, facilitating collaboration and strengthening relationships.“I’m an employee of the county, but I’m also part of HCEDP,” Kelly conveys. “It consists of mayors or city managers and business leaders, and it’s a nonprofit organization. We have a very strong relationship with everyone within the county. ” INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS AND REVITALIZATION Infrastructure improvements are a top priority in Henry County, and municipalities are enhancing their town centers and updating critical infrastructure. In Geneseo, projects include new sewers and pipes. Kewanee has focused on downtown revitalization, while Atkinson has rebuilt roads and installed updated sewer systems. Colona is preparing for a multi-million-dollar beautification project in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation. 157 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 HENRY COUNTY, IL
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx