Elected leaders in Normal back plans for new ag complex soon to sprout up at Heartland College campus

Posted on March 22, 2022

Normal Town Council — *The council approved final plans as part of its consent agenda, so there was no discussion. (WJBC file photo)*

NORMAL – An estimated $20 million agriculture complex to be built at Heartland Community College’s campus in Normal won unanimous approval Monday night from the town council.

The new home for Heartland’s ag department will be located on the southwest edge of the campus off of West Raab Road.

The council approved final plans as part of its consent agenda, so there was no discussion.

Next up, the college will put the project up for bid, with construction to start later this spring, and completion sometime next year.

The council’s backing comes less than a week after the college announced the McLean County Farm Bureau was donating $2 million for the project. Specifically, the farm bureau wants to develop an instructional lab for Heartland students. Younger students and community groups would be able to visit for field trips and summer camp.

Heartland spokesperson Steve Fast said five other donors have come forward so far, contributing about $2 million more for the project.

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