RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) — The Village of Rantoul is getting some money to help improve its downtown.

The village received a generous $25,000 matching grant from the non-profit America in Bloom and the Canadian National Railway to support the Downtown Streetscaping Project.

Mayor Sam Hall of Rantoul announced that this contribution will cover half of the project’s expenses. Moreover, a portion of the funds will be allocated to plant approximately 40 trees both in the downtown area and throughout the village. The plans also include adding flowers and creating vibrant floral displays.

“Our goal is to spark more engagement in this area,” Mayor Hall stated. “We want to encourage activities like walking, shopping, and attract businesses to open eateries and shops, thus increasing overall activity downtown.”

He said the project is supposed to be finished next month and is on schedule.

The grant was officially awarded to the village at a ceremony held on the southwest corner of Sangamon Avenue and Tanner Street at 2 p.m. on Monday.