Springfield started a new yard waste program this spring, and the city is expecting more money for road and railway projects from a statewide capital plan. The city’s Office of Public Works oversees both.
NPR Illinois talked with its new director, Nate Bottom, about the changes. The Springfield City Council approved Bottom's appointment last week.
The interview covers:
-The recycling fee assessed on monthly City Water, Light and Power bills increased to $4.50, up from $3. That money pays for curbside and electronics recycling programs, and yard waste pickup, among other services. According to the city's website, $4.75 will be assessed on monthly bills between August and January, 2020, because the increase was not on July bills.
-Springfield is set to get $122 million from the statewide infrastructure plan, Rebuild Illinois, for its rail improvement project.
-The city will also use money from the capital plan to pay for upgrades to the intersection at Dirksen Parkway and Sangamon Avenue, and along MacArthur Boulevard, between South Grand and Wabash avenues.
-To report a problem to the public works department, call 217-789-2255 or visit itswebsite.
