ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is announcing a $200,000 Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant for the Rockford Park District to develop boat access areas in Rockford.

“With spring just around the corner, this grant will help Rockford further develop its riverfront access,” Stadelman said. “This investment will provide residents and visitors with easier access to enjoy the Rock River.”

The grant will help pay for parking lots, boat stalls, light poles, and painting at Mercyhealth Sportscore One Boating Area Development. The funding will also help install a new water pressure tank, vanities, a drinking fountain and LED lights for the restrooms at the same location.

The Boat Access Area Development Program provides financial assistance to local government agencies for the acquisition, construction, and expansion or rehabilitation of public boat and canoe access areas on Illinois’ lakes and rivers.

 “A more accessible river attracts more visitors to the Rockford area, and the local economy will benefit,” Stadelman said.

The program provides up to 100% of approved project construction costs and 90% of approved land acquisition costs. Revenue comes from marine motor fuel tax and boat and canoe registration fees. 

More information about the program is available here.

SPRINGFIELD – Disabled veterans, returning service members and those who are terminally ill would not need to get a trapping license under a plan by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) that advanced out of the Senate Agriculture Committee Thursday.

Koehler is the sponsor of Senate Bill 1533, which provides a trapping license exemption for those groups.

CENTREVILLE – The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) has been chosen to receive $200,000 in state funding through the Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Program, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced Wednesday.

“This funding will help grow existing bike trail networks in the area,” Belt said. “Investing in our county bike trails offers people more opportunities for recreation and to get outside more often.”

SCCTD will use the grant funding to construct a 0.8-mile section of paved trail located along the west side of Old Collinsville Road in Fairview Heights from Munie Road to Frank Scott Parkway East.

The Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Program, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, was created in 1990 to provide grants to eligible local governments for projects that develop, rehabilitate or construct new bike trails. This year, the program will fund seven bike path projects across the state totaling more than $800,000.

More information about the program, eligible projects and the application process is available here.

CHICAGO – Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz said he's pleased to see Cornell Square Park and Marquette Park receive funds through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) grant program to enhance recreational opportunities.

“I’m excited that two local parks will be able make improvements that will provide more recreational opportunities,” Munoz said. “This funding gives our communities the opportunity to enjoy these local parks even more, and for many years to come.”

VERNON HILLS – The Lakeview Fitness Center in Vernon Hills will soon see a 3,300-square-foot addition and other major upgrades thanks to a $2.2 million grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) grant program, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced.

“Recreational activity is critical to maintaining good health, both physical and mental,” Johnson said. “The revitalized Lakeview Fitness Center will offer our community even more opportunities to get up and move.”

SPRINGFIELD – More survivors of violent crime would be able to keep their home addresses private as participants in the Illinois Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) under an initiative from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) that advanced Thursday to expand protections for survivors of human trafficking.

“Survivors of violent crime undergo tremendous emotional and mental trauma,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By adding human trafficking to the list of crimes protected by the ACP, we’re offering survivors some peace of mind that their sensitive personal information is safe.”

SPRINGFIELD – The Senate State Government Committee approved a measure sponsored by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) Wednesday to add probation officers to the list of individuals that qualify for death benefits if killed in the line of duty.

“Our probation officers put their uniforms on and go to work every day to help protect our communities,” Bennett said. “With the Illinois courts considering an expansion of home and field visits, more probation officers are at increased risk of getting involved in a potentially violent situation.”

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Senate President Don Harmon welcomed news of expanded vaccine access and plans to re-open the state’s economy.

“We’ve made it to this point thanks to modern science and the personal sacrifices of people all across this state. You’ve followed the rules and kept each other safe until a vaccine was widely available. Thank you.

“I urge everyone to remain patient and vigilant as we head into what is hopefully the final phase of this horrible pandemic.”