Western Area Purchasing Coop secures $35,000 grant for warehouse upgrades

LA HARPE, Ill. — The Western Area Purchasing Coop (WAPC), along with the Regional Office of Education No. 26, recently announced upgrades at its facility in La Harpe made possible by a $35,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The grant allowed WAPC to rebuild the warehouse’s loading dock. These upgrades included a storm drain that connects to the city’s storm sewer system, improving water management and reducing the risk of flooding during heavy rains.

In a press release, Molly Hopper, program coordinator for the Western Area Purchasing Coop, said, “This project represents a significant investment in the infrastructure that supports our operations. Thanks to the DCEO grant, we are better able to serve our area school districts and upgrade our facility without passing on costs to local schools.”

The project, completed in August, ensures safer and more efficient loading and unloading processes.

The WAPC program serves 70 area schools, allowing them to combine their purchasing power and receive the lowest prices for products. They work with vendors to seek bids for paper, office supplies, specialty products, athletic supplies and other needed items for school districts. 

For more information about the Western Area Purchasing Coop and its services, visit https://www.roe26.net/wapc. The Regional Office of Education No. 26 serves Fulton, Hancock, McDonough and Schuyler counties.