storefronts house thriving small businesses, and connections to museums and heritage sites draw visitors year-round. A recent sidewalk project now links the downtown directly to the Hennepin Canal trail, encouraging cyclists and hikers to explore local shops and restaurants. Kewanee is undertaking one of the county’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation to reimagine Route 78 as it runs through the heart of the city. The project will dramatically improve pedestrian access, traffic flow, and visual appeal, setting the stage for new commercial activity and long-term revitalization. Other communities, including Woodhull and Colona, have become hubs for public-private partnerships, particularly in broadband expansion. Working with local provider Diverse Communications, Henry County has accelerated buried fiber deployment in rural areas, strengthening connectivity for residents, farms, and businesses alike. Colona has also created an additional TIF to continue to address growth of their business district. ECONOMIC GROWTH WITH LOCAL CHARACTER While Henry County continues to attract interest from developers across Illinois, growth decisions are carefully weighed. Kelly notes that not every opportunity is the right opportunity. Large logistics warehouses, for example, may generate truck traffic without creating meaningful job density. Instead, the county often favors manufacturing, agricultural innovation, and industries that align with its predominantly agricultural landscape. Annawan, for instance, is exploring the potential for an industrial park near its ethanol plant, while Galva has become a focal point for next-generation energy and carbon capture discussions. These conversations often involve global partners and emerging technologies, but always return to a central 241 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 01 HENRY COUNTY, IL
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