ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is announcing that Winnebago County will receive over $4.5 million in funding for local transportation projects through the Rebuild Illinois statewide construction program.

“This funding demonstrates the state’s continued commitment to local roads and bridges in the Rockford area,” Stadelman said. “When Rockford’s infrastructure improves, so does our local economy.”

Rebuild Illinois has allocated $1.5 billion in funding specifically for municipal- and county-level projects. Infrastructure investments improve safety, quality of life and the economy, which contributes to the revitalization of communities across the state.

ROCKFORD – Each year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources selects schools across the state to receive grants for field trips. This year, Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is congratulating Cherry Valley Elementary School’s 3rd grade class on being selected as a winner.

“This Biodiversity Grant Program provides an excellent chance for students to expand their education outside of the classroom,” Stadelman said. “I’m pleased that the students at Cherry Valley Elementary School were chosen for this great opportunity.”

The program allows schools to take students to state parks, museums, and other natural resource locations to gain hands-on experience with nature and conservation in Illinois.

Four classes selected for the grant will take a trip to Severson Dells Nature Center, which hosts environmental education courses in the 369-acre Severson Dells Forest Preserve. At the center, students have the opportunity to see first-hand some of what they are learning about in the classroom and expand their knowledge of Illinois and its natural resources.

More information about the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program is available from the IDNR Division of Education at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 217-524-4126. The 2022 application form will be available at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/education/Pages/GrantsIBFTG.aspx.

ROCKFORD – With the state’s Rebuild Illinois program in full swing, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is highlighting a commitment made by the state to grant $772,000 in funding for a shovel ready construction project in downtown Rockford on Thursday.

“The redevelopment of downtown Rockford benefits the entire region,” Stadelman said. “The project next to the new library uses prime riverfront property, with a mix of dining, retail and residential space that promises to appeal to a diverse crowd.”

The project, funded through the Shovel Ready Infrastructure Capital Program, is set to prepare an underutilized site located at 227 N. Wyman in Rockford for redevelopment, with project activities including architectural engineering, site preparation and improvement.

The grant will help support Bush construction, the company developing the six-story riverfront property next to the new downtown Rockford Public Library with space for a restaurant, retail shops and apartment units.

"I'm excited this project is shovel-ready and now will be supported with Rebuild Illinois funds,” Stadelman said. “I look forward to the opening of the new library campus.”

The Shovel Ready Infrastructure Capital Program is part of Rebuild Illinois, the state’s 5-year statewide construction program. You can visit the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's website for updates on this and future Rebuild Illinois projects.

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was sworn in to serve the 34^th Senate District for another term Wednesday. 

Stadelman, from the greater Rockford area, was originally elected to serve in the General Assembly in November 2012. Previously, he worked as a professional journalist and reporter in the Rockford area for two decades. 

Over the past eight years, Stadelman has fought for education reform, to bring an Amtrak route to Rockford, to help upgrade local youth sports facilities, to protect Illinois’ consumers, to help abuse victims and to fight for college students.

“It’s an incredible honor to continue to serve the Rockford area,” Stadelman said. “I look forward to getting back to work to help the people of Rockford and the state of Illinois as we continue to face this public health crisis.”

Stadelman’s district office is located at 200 S. Wyman St., Suite 301, in Rockford. People can contact his office at (815) 987-7557, or at www.senatorstadelman.com.