BELLEVILLE—Thanks to support from State Senator Christopher Belt – who is a longstanding advocate of investing in public safety – a new police training academy is coming to Belleville.

"Criminal justice reform can't just be about changing a few policies, we need to think about every aspect of the justice system. That includes how we train those in positions of responsibility," said Belt (D-Swansea). "When public safety officers, forensic scientists and law students are all learning alongside each other, everyone benefits from the diversity of experiences and perspectives."

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus’ backing of the historical Rebuild Illinois Plan, over $100 million was granted Monday to revitalize downtowns and main streets across the state.

“Residents depend on reliable, safe transportation to prosper in their communities and spur economic development in the region,” said State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea). “The $1.2 million investment in the Village of Fairmont City will create jobs for residents to maintain roadways, design streetscape and improve drainage infrastructure.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $106 million in capital grants that were awarded to revitalize 50 commercial corridors and main streets across Illinois. The historic Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program represents the largest-ever Rebuild Illinois investment focused on community revitalization.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler announced Tuesday that older adults in Peoria will soon benefit from the newly-launched Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, which will expand options for community-based care and allow eligible seniors to continue living safely at home.

“PACE will create for Illinois seniors a holistic and locally-based option that provides quality, integrated care,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The option to continue living safely in the community will greatly enhance the quality of life for Illinois seniors who enroll in the program.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Building on the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Ann Gillespie, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of more than $140 million in the 27^th Senate District.

“Illinoisans spend roughly $1,000 more on vehicle repairs each year due to the poor conditions of our roads,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “These investments will rehabilitate roads, bridges and highways in our community, addressing our aging infrastructure and saving commuters in the long run.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Project under the Rebuild Illinois program, the 27^th District will see 21 infrastructure projects totaling $140,146,000 over the next six years.

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years.  

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

To find a full list of projects slated for the 27^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

ELGIN – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by Senator Cristina Castro, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of more than $21 million in state and local road and bridge improvement projects.

“Illinois continues to make critical upgrades to our infrastructure, ensuring the safety of residents for years to come,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “These projects will not only improve commutes and increase safety along these routes, they will also create new jobs that contribute to our communities’ recovery.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Castro represents will see 23 infrastructure projects totaling more than $184 million over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area include:

• Replacing the bridge and interchange on Route 20 at IL-31 and along the Route 25 exchange
• Pavement maintenance and rehabilitation along IL-25 (Dundee Ave) between IL-72 and I-90
• Pavement preservation on Route 20 in Hanover Park, from Park Avenue to SE of North Avenue

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects across the state for the next six fiscal years.  

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

“From job creation to improved mobility, I am pleased to see this sizeable investment help grow and sustain our local economies,” Castro said. “These projects will help modernize our transportation infrastructure and equip our communities for the future.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 22nd Senate District, please visit IDOT’s website.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To increase access to healthy, sustainable food options for families in DuPage County, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton announced Prairie Food Co-Op in downtown Lombard as a recipient of a Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“Fresh and affordable food is critical for every family, no matter where they call home,” said Sen. Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs), chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. “I’m counting down the days until I can welcome the first community-owned grocery to DuPage County—Prairie Food Co-Op in downtown Lombard. This investment, funded in part by Rebuild Illinois, will help ensure families have access to healthy, sustainable food options.”

Prairie Food Co-Op has plans to specialize in local, sustainable and organic food options, produce, as well as personal care and conventional items. The grocery has a mission to provide healthy choices but also building a strong community.

According to the organization’s website, co-ops return close to 40% more of their revenue back to the community, as compared to conventional grocery stores.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $106 million in capital grants that were awarded to revitalize 50 commercial corridors and main streets across Illinois. The historic Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program represents the largest-ever Rebuild Illinois investment focused on community revitalization.

A full list of grantees is available on DCEO’s website.

MARYVILLE – State Senator Kris Tharp joined officials Monday to announce a combined $7.6 million to support restoration projects in Alton, Collinsville and Edwardsville.

“Take a walk or drive down any Main Street in the Metro East, and you’ll be met with character, historic buildings and cultural history,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “For those of us who are proud to live here and call this area home, we understand its potential to be a major tourism destination, and I’m pleased to announce this funding to help bring these plans in Alton, Collinsville and Edwardsville to fruition.”

Funded in part through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Rebuild Illinois Main Street and Downtown Capital Program and the American Rescue Plan Act, three entities in Madison County were awarded funds to develop downtown areas:

• Alton Works - $3,000,000
• City of Collinsville - $1,828,350
• City of Edwardsville - $2,869,031

To restore the city’s once vibrant history, Alton Works has plans to use the funding to revitalize the downtown area and build a business incubator in the former Wedge Bank Building.

The City of Collinsville has plans to use the funding to undertake a new project in working to revitalize a nationally-popular, economic corridor from St. Louis Road and Main Street near uptown and ending at the Cahokia Mounds World Heritage site.

To expand economic development and support business growth on Main Street, the City of Edwardsville will use the grant to improve water, sewer and streetscape infrastructure.

“I’d like to extend my appreciation to the local officials—the mayors, city councils and other community members who have gotten us to this point,” said Tharp. “The combined $7.6 million investments into Alton, Collinsville and Edwardsville will create jobs for residents, modernize infrastructure, and encourage patrons and visitors to explore the local downtown.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $106 million in capital grants that were awarded to revitalize 50 commercial corridors and main streets across Illinois. The historic Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program represents the largest-ever Rebuild Illinois investment focused on community revitalization.

A full list of grantees is available on DCEO’s website.

EAST ST. LOUIS – To improve infrastructure and create jobs for residents, State Senator Christopher Belt announced the Village of Fairmont City as a recipient of a Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“Residents depend on reliable, safe transportation to prosper in their communities and spur economic development in the region,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The $1.27 million investment in the Village of Fairmont City will create jobs for residents to maintain roadways and improve existing infrastructure.”

To enhance the quality of life for local families and create jobs for residents, the Village of Fairmont City was awarded $1.27 million for roadway, streetscape and drainage infrastructure improvements along the Cookston Street corridor.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $106 million in capital grants that were awarded to revitalize 50 commercial corridors and main streets across Illinois. The historic Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program represents the largest-ever Rebuild Illinois investment focused on community revitalization.

A full list of grantees is available on DCEO’s website.