Sumner in line for federal funding for planned Christy Avenue project

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 2:04 PM

By Steve Anderson

The city of Sumner could be the recipient of federal funding for a project involving the demolition of a dilapidated building at North and Christy Avenue and the creation of a recreational area for pickleball and basketball plus a pavilion on the property.

City administrator Travis Trainer reported to the city council Tuesday that they had made application for Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) through the office of Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth in Washington, D.C. It was one of over 600 applications recieved from across the state. She recently submitted a request for $350,000 for the Sumner Main Street Community Facilities Program to Senate Appropriations.

However, the money is not guaranteed with several obstacles to navigate, including the passage of a Congressional spending bill for FY2027.

Meanwhile, Trainer says the city is working to take over the building from its current owner through legal channels. It is hoped that more information regarding the funding will be known by July for Washington with a definite answer by the fall.