A delegation of local leaders from the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development (KCAP) will travel to Washington, D.C., next week to seek federal support for several infrastructure projects in Galesburg and Knox County.

The trip marks the second annual advocacy visit organized by KCAP. Delegates plan to meet with members of Congress and federal agency staff to promote projects focused on safety, water quality and city operations.

The delegation’s priorities include improving the South Street underpass, drilling additional municipal water wells and constructing a modernized fleet maintenance facility.

The South Street underpass is one of three infrastructure projects local leaders plan to advocate for during a trip to Washington, D.C., next week.

Galesburg Mayor Peter Schwartzman said pursuing federal funding can help advance local priorities.

“Federal funding can be of great assistance to our community’s efforts to improve the economy and add to our already strong quality of life for Galesburg residents,” Schwartzman said.

City officials are seeking federal assistance for the planning phase of a replacement for the South Street underpass, a key downtown route. The proposed project would realign the underpass with the roadway, improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety, and increase clearance height to allow emergency vehicles to pass. BNSF Railway is partnering on the effort, including support for grant applications and local cost sharing, according to officials.

The delegation also will advocate for funding to drill additional municipal water wells to further improve water quality. Officials said new wells located farther from the river could help ensure a long-term water supply free from PFAS chemicals ahead of upcoming Environmental Protection Agency requirements.

In addition, city leaders are seeking funding to construct a new fleet maintenance facility. Officials said the current facility cannot accommodate large fire apparatus and heavy equipment, leading to outsourcing costs and delays in repairs. A new facility would allow in-house maintenance of transit buses, police and fire vehicles, snowplows and other equipment.

“Seeking federal support for infrastructure is another method of bringing economic development to the community,” said Ken Springer, president of KCAP.

The delegation will include Springer, two KCAP officers and two senior staff members from the City of Galesburg. Representatives from Mercury Public Affairs will lead the advocacy effort.

Officials said the goal of the trip is to secure federal investment to modernize local infrastructure and support long-term economic development.