Rivian’s Next Phase in Normal Gets $3M Infrastructure Boost

Rivian is expanding in Normal, and the town is pitching in to help. The Normal Town Council is set to vote on a plan to reimburse Rivian up to $3 million for extending sewer lines west of the current factory. This upgrade is key for Rivian’s future, especially as it gears up to build the more affordable R2 SUV.

Right now, the sewer line stops about 2,800 feet east of Rivian’s site. Extending it will cost around $4 million, and Normal will cover 75% of that, using money from Rivian’s property taxes, the town’s sewer fund, or other sources. The town has until 2031 to pay Rivian back.

This is part of a bigger push to keep Rivian growing in Normal. Last year, Illinois offered an $827 million incentive package to encourage Rivian to invest $1.5 billion and add 550 jobs. There’s also another potential $200 million expansion on the table, which could bring even more jobs to the area.

Local incentives include tax breaks and sales tax exemptions on building materials, all aimed at making Normal a prime spot for Rivian’s plans. If everything moves forward, the expansion could create 600 to 700 more jobs.

The council’s vote is a big step in making sure Rivian has the infrastructure it needs to keep growing in Normal.