WILL COUNTY, Ill. – State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) announced that nearly $47,000 will be distributed in Will County for historic preservation projects through the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund.

“Our community has a rich history that we should preserve for generations to come,” Connor said. “As we continue to identify and protect our historical properties and the educational opportunities they offer, I hope residents will learn more about the past.”

The Historic Preservation Fund will distribute more than $131,400 in funding to local governments throughout Illinois for nine historic preservation projects.

In the 43^rd District, the city of Joliet was awarded $17,520 to update the architectural and historical information for all 130 of Joliet’s designated local historical properties. Will County was awarded $29,200 for a comprehensive update to the county’s Historic Preservation Plan, which was originally completed in 1976.

The program is open to all 83 certified local governments throughout Illinois, and another round of grants is anticipated in the fall of 2021. For information on the grants and how to apply, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.