CANTON – Texas-based energy generator Vistra announced today that they are closing several downstate Illinois coal-fired power plants, including the Duck Creek plant in Canton.

Assistant Majority Leader Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) represents Canton and issued the following statement:

“I am incredibly saddened by the announcement that Duck Creek will close. The hardships that the workers at this plant will endure cannot be understated. They are not statistics or lines on a balance sheet. They are human beings, and I stand committed to working with the governor’s administration in Springfield to bring much needed economic support to both their families and the rest of the Fulton County community.

“The fact is the current business market for coal-based energy is simply no longer sustainable. As we transition to an energy economy that focuses on limiting emissions, we must be proactive in helping those communities that this will adversely effect.”

The Duck Creek plant was opened in 1976 and employs around 60 people.

PEORIA – Existing protections under Scott’s Law, the state law requiring motorists to move over for emergency vehicles pulled over on the side of the road, were strengthened under legislation signed into law today.

Assistant Majority Leader Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) was a cosponsor of the measure and says that, with the prevalence of distracted driving, the measure couldn’t have come sooner.

“First responders have enough on their plates without having to worry about getting hit by cars on the interstate,” Koehler said. “This measure is designed to save lives, and I’m glad to stand with our first responders and support it.”

PEORIA – Alpha Park Public Library District and Peoria Public Libraries are receiving grants from Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to help mentors connect with at-risk youth in the community.

Assistant Majority Leader Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) represents to the two cities and says it’s important to connect children with services early on to better serve them.

“Giving at-risk kids the opportunity to learn valuable skills in a safe environment can only serve to improve our communities,” Koehler said. “I want to thank Jesse White for seeing the potential in the Bartonville and Peoria communities when awarding this grant.”

PEORIA – Assistant Majority Leader Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) joined House Deputy Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth and Gov. JB Pritzker to tout Peoria area projects included in the Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan passed by the General Assembly this spring.

“One of the biggest complaints I hear about from my constituents is the condition of our roads,” Koehler said. “This plan will change that.”

The $45 billion plan includes several projects specific to the Peoria area, including:

• $114 million for Phase I of a Route 24 expansion, expanding the highway to four lanes and replacing bridges between Kingston Mines and Banner
• $48.6 million for road resurfacing and major bridge work for I-474
• $41.9 million for road resurfacing and bridge work on I-74 between Peoria and Brimfield
• $39.9 million for the Cedar Street bridge extension
• $35 million for the Murray Baker bridge rehabilitation
• $18.7 million to replace the Harmon Highway bridge over Kickapoo Creek