PAST PROJECTS

  • Broadband Planning

    From 2018-2021, MCBT led efforts to improve broadband access, adoption and use in Mercer County. MCBT was one of the first recipients of the Illinois Connected Communities broadband planning grant, during which MCBT gathered data and public feedback on types of internet service available (fiber optic, cable, wireless, satellite, etc.), where these types of service are (and aren't) available, at what speeds and at what costs.

    In 2022, Mercer County was chosen to participate in the state's first cohort of the Accelerate Illinois program, led by the Mercer County Board of Supervisors. Since late 2021, the Mercer County Board, their Prosperity Advisory Committee (the board's strategic advisory committee for countywide economic development) and their Broadband Team have led broadband work in Mercer County. MCBT supports this effort and the goal to establish a comprehensive broadband buildout across Mercer County.

  • Funding Navigation

    MCBT provided technical assistance to help local communities access funding allocations and reimbursements during pandemic recovery. MCBT helped a total of nine communities submit applications and reimbursement requests, securing a total of over $760,000 for local communities. MCBT is available to help communities walk through online applications or reimbursement requests, compile required documentation and navigate funding allocations and reimbursements.

  • Pandemic Health Navigator Program

    During 2021, MCBT operated the Pandemic Health Navigator Program (PHNP), which helped local residents return to self-sustainability by connecting them to essentials like food, transportation, pharmaceuticals and more. MCBT worked with a network of partner agencies to help 85 Mercer County families regain their health, build economic stability, and resume participation in the local economy.

2018-19 Parks & Recreation Projects

MCBT led a landmark collaboration to upgrade beloved parks and recreation facilities across Mercer County. MCBT worked with communities to identify their project needs, then secured funding to accomplish these projects. Through a partnership with the Looser-Flake Charitable Foundation, eleven projects were completed across nine Mercer County communities. Leaders from all Mercer County communities were invited to participate in the collaboration, which saw stakeholders insist on sharing resources to make sure all projects were completed successfully. In total, the eleven participating entities brought over 72% in match value and received a total of $150,000 in grant funds to help accomplish projects. Many participants found ways to share costs or resources. 

Completed projects include:

City of Aledo – “Northside Park Ball Diamond Expansion”
Phase one of construction of a new varsity baseball diamond at Northside Park.

City of Keithsburg – “Keithsburg Riverside Campground Addition”
Seven new concrete pads in phase one of the campground’s capacity increase project.

Eliza Township – “Restroom Construction at Eliza Softball Diamond”
Eliminating portable toilet costs by building a permanent restroom facility.

Mercer County Agricultural Society – “Merchant Building Roof Repair”
Phase one of roof repair on the Merchant Building at the Mercer County Fairgrounds.

Mercer County Family YMCA – “Phase 1 Capital Campaign”
Architectural drawings and renderings involved in building expansion case study.

Village of Joy – “Joy Park Playground Improvement”
Removing old and installing new play equipment, mulch and border edging at Joy Park.

Village of Matherville – “Accessibility Enhancements at Lake Matherville”
Paving the boat ramp and installing a dock for kayak use at popular lake.

Village of New Windsor – “Basketball Court Upgrade”
Repaving the playing surface and installing new hoops.

Village of North Henderson – “Village Park Revitalization”
Installing wheelchair-accessible play equipment in phase one of revitalization process.

Village of Seaton – “Seaton Park Improvements”
Diversifying and securing popular park with electrical system and safety pole upgrades.

Village of Viola – “Miles Memorial Park Improvements”
Removing old and installing new playground equipment at Miles Memorial Park.

The success of these projects led to another collaborative parks and recreation revitalization effort in 2022.