DIXON — Dixon City officials and U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood gathered Friday afternoon to announce a $2 million federal grant for the Fargo Creek mitigation project in Dixon. Mayor Glen Hughes said the funding will support the first phase of a regional retention pond project at Bloody Gulch Park to help reduce flooding in the southwest part of the city and support future development in the Gateway area. LaHood said the project will help improve infrastructure, reduce flood damage and create opportunities for commercial growth, jobs and new tax revenue.
City Manager Danny Langloss said the project will include retention ponds, walking paths, fishing areas and a pavilion as part of planned improvements at Bloody Gulch Park. Officials said the project will also help connect the Interstate 88 corridor, the Lee County Industrial Park and the Walmart Business Park while opening more land for future commercial development near downtown Dixon and the Rock River. Local leaders also thanked Lee County officials, developers and city staff for their support in securing the funding and planning the project.