County Board claws back $200,000 from Riverfront project

QUINCY — Citing a lack of tangible progress regarding concrete plans moving forward, the Adams County Board voted to pull back the $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding it had previously committed to the Riverfront Development Corporation.

The money was to be used in conjunction with a state grant to bury power above-ground Ameren power lines near Clat Adams Park.

Board member Steve McQueen (R-4th District) made the motion, saying while he supported some type of Riverfront development, the current timeline doesn’t match the county’s. ARPA funding must be used by the end of 2026 or it goes back to the federal government.

Bret Austin (R-1st District), who has been an outspoken supporter of Riverfront development and attended last week’s commission meeting, echoed McQueen’s comments and seconded his motion.

“I’m a big supporter of the (Riverfront Master Plan), “ he said. “And we’re not saying future funding of some sort is off the table, but they have to come up with a plan and a timeline that has us working with the City and the Park District.”

The Park District has yet to commit any direct funding to the Riverfront Commission.

The vote was 15-1 with Dave Bellis (R-5th District) as the lone no vote. Bellis is the County Board’s representative on the commission and was informed before the meeting that the action would be taking place.

With the Riverfront money reinstated, the County has $507,000 in ARPA funding that has not yet been allocated. McQueen supports providing the South Quincy Drainage District $50,000 for levee improvements. The levee protects a significant amount of Quincy’s Riverfront industrial base.