A project to build a new sidewalk on Oak Street between 3rd and 9th Streets is closer to reality. City Clerk Rudy Witsman reports that the state has approved releasing the money in the city’s revolving loan fund to be used for up to two projects. One of those projects looks to be constructing new, widened sidewalks along Oak Street which would provide walker-friendly sidewalks along Oak from 3rd Street to College Drive. Witsman said preliminary designs have been done and the project will proceed at a faster pace. The state dissolved all revolving loan funds in Illinois last year and allowed communities to use those monies for local projects. If constructed, Oak Street would have sidewalks suitable for bicyclists and walkers/joggers along its' entire route from 3rd Street to College Drive.