SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) announced $1.7 million for new energy efficient windows at Triton College in River Grove.
This investment is made possible by the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan the Senate passed in 2019.
“Our ability to continue to invest in our communities through the Rebuild Illinois plan is a bright spot in the midst of the economic devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic,” Harmon said. “It is critical that we invest in our educational institutions now so that they are able to serve Illinoisans for years to come as our state recovers.”
The Rebuild Illinois capital plan passed with bipartisan supermajorities and will invest $45 billion in roads, bridges, railways, universities, early childhood centers and state facilities over the next six years, creating and supporting an estimated 540,000 jobs over the life of the plan and revitalizing local economies across the state.
DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College (DACC) is set to receive $2.3 million for infrastructure improvements as part of the state’s Rebuild Illinois capital plan, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Thursday.
“From workforce training to preparing students to advance their higher education, community colleges serve multiple missions,” Bennett said. “During these difficult economic times, I’m pleased to see these funds coming to Danville to support our area community college.”
DACC will use the funds to remodel the Clock Tower Center and for rehabilitation of the Ornamental Horticulture Building, including additions to the greenhouse.
“Investing in vital infrastructure is key to creating good jobs and promoting full economic recovery,” Bennett said. “The state’s investment in DACC will help ensure the college remains strong during these uncertain times.”
In total, the state awarded $103.5 million in grants to 15 community colleges throughout the state through the Rebuild Illinois capital plan. Each community college will also receive an additional $34.5 million in local investments, bringing the total commitment to $138 million.
ZION — The unsafe alley between the 2100 and 2500 blocks of Joppa Avenue in Zion will be repaired after the city received nearly a million dollars in state grants, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) announced Wednesday.
“Ambulances, police and other first responders have struggled to access this alleyway for years, and this reconstruction project will now allow first responders to best serve Zion residents who live in the area,” Bush said. “Working together with Mayor Billy McKinney and the city council, we were able to identify and fund much-needed project.”
The Joppa Avenue alley has deteriorated to the extent it’s no longer accessible to emergency vehicles, such as police and fire, resulting in families in the area not receiving the help they need in a timely matter. The city will resurface the alley and replace storm drains, so stormwater stops collecting. The $914,000 worth of repairs is coming from the Build Illinois Bond Fund.
“Zion’s partnership with State Senator Bush and Representative Mason has put the city at the top of the list for state investments, and we appreciate their hard work,” McKinney said. “I have traveled to Springfield frequently since I have been elected and continue to be in regular communication with our outstanding legislators.”
Other Zion-based projects for Fiscal Year 2021 include:
NAPERVILLE– State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is announcing that the 21st Senate District is set to receive over $15 million for improvements to local roads and bridges as part of the state’s ongoing multi-year construction plan.
“In these uncertain times, it’s encouraging to see the state continue to work on roads and bridges,” Ellman said. “These projects will bring good-paying jobs to our area, while also providing a much-needed update to local roads and bridges.”
The $15 million in spending will be distributed among a number of projects across the district, including over $6 million for the Washington Street bridge. Located in the center of downtown Naperville, the over 40-year-old bridge will be completely replaced. Other projects include the construction of new bikeways, rehabilitating local roads and repairing other bridges.
"The Washington Street bridge at the center of downtown Naperville has over 30,000 cars travel across it daily," said Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico. "At over 40 years old, reconstructing this critical piece of infrastructure is key to our continued economic success and vibrancy of our downtown business district."
The Illinois Department of Transportation’s plan will invest $21.3 billion to improve the state’s infrastructure over the next six years. Projects included in the program were selected based on objective criteria, such as pavement conditions, traffic volumes, and crash history. It will create thousands of job opportunities for residents across the state.
IDOT’s complete Multi-Year Plan can be found on the website and the complete list of projects for the 21st District can be found here.
CHICAGO—As a result of an infrastructure package backed by Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago), the 17th District will see $258 million in infrastructure projects during the six-year span of the plan, with $24 million in road improvements set to begin in the next year. “This is a meaningful investment to preserve local roads and bridges,” Sims said. “We are taking a responsible approach to not only address safety and traffic issues, but to prevent them before they arise.” The largest project will be overlaying work in Crete and Beecher. It will cost $5.5 million and involve repairing deficiencies and resurfacing roads. Another $4.3 million project will span Lynwood and Glenwood. It will include widening the road, bi-directing a left turn lane and improvements to help people with disabilities. Burnham will see $1.6 million worth of bridge repairs and maintenance. A $1.2 million project will also be done in Burnham and Calumet City. It will include surface maintenance at the right time (SMART) overlaying work, which is resurfacing an area that has previously had an overlay before major repairs are needed. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, if it is done at the right time, it can prevent serious distress. This project will also involve improvements for people with disabilities. "Aside from making our roads safer, these projects will provide quality jobs and help people recover from the financial impact of the pandemic,” Sims said. Passed in 2019, the historic and bipartisan Rebuild Illinois plan is the largest capital program in state history. In its first year, the program improved 1,706 miles of roadway, and repaired or reconstructed 128 bridges across Illinois. IDOT’s complete Multi-Year Plan can be found on its website.
CHICAGO – Assistant Majority Leader Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) is excited to announce the Illinois Department of Transportation is investing over $2 million to repair more than five miles of Pulaski Road. “By investing in our state’s infrastructure, Illinois is supporting working families and residents who depend on reliable transportation,” Martinez said. “It’s also creating construction jobs at a time when our economic future needs a strong push forward.” The $2.87 million investment will cover two separate stretches of Pulaski Road – one running from Devon Avenue to Barry Avenue and one from Diversey Avenue to North Avenue, for a total of 5.69 miles. The Pulaski upgrades are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan to maintain and expand Illinois’ transportation infrastructure. Another area project scheduled for the upcoming year involves preserving more than two miles of Montrose Avenue.
MARYVILLE – With construction slated to begin in the next year, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is announcing more than $6 million in state investments for road projects within her district. “By investing in our local infrastructure, our state is committing to the transportation needs of Metro East residents,” Crowe said. “Ensuring reliable transportation for seniors, working families and students while creating construction jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic is a start to getting our local economies back on track.” Totaling more than $6.4 million, 10 major projects are scheduled to begin on local highways in Crowe’s district by next summer. The projects are listed by county below: Madison County
St. Clair County
The Illinois Department of Transportation’s Multi-Year Plan will invest $21.3 billion to improve the state’s infrastructure over the next six years. Projects included in the program were selected based on objective criteria, such as pavement conditions, traffic volumes and crash history.
BUNKER HILL – Central Illinois communities will see more than $509 million in funding for road and bridge projects over the next six years as part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) announced Tuesday.
“Transportation infrastructure is indispensable to a strong economic future, and the unprecedented health crisis we’re facing makes the timing of the Rebuild Illinois plan all the more significant,” Manar said. “The plan will help our economy rebound by creating thousands of jobs for families set back by COVID-19, while supporting the work and safety of professional truck drivers who are the unsung heroes of our fight against COVID-19.”
Over $509 million in funding will support 172 projects between 2021 and 2026. Of the 172 projects, 37 will begin within the next year. Manar worked in collaboration with county and municipal leaders in his district to identify locations where infrastructure improvements were most needed.
The Multi-Year Plan will invest $21.3 billion statewide over the next six years to improve 3,356 miles of road and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck.
Passed in 2019, Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic and bipartisan Rebuild Illinois plan is the largest capital program in state history. In its first year, the program improved 1,706 miles of roadway, and repaired or reconstructed 128 bridges across Illinois.
Manar led negotiation efforts on the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois plan on behalf of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus.
Projects included in the program were selected based on objective criteria, such as pavement conditions, traffic volumes and crash history.
Notable projects taking place in Manar’s district in the next 12 months are listed by county below:
Macon
Christian County
Madison
Montgomery
Sangamon
Macoupin
CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham is announcing the Illinois Department of Transportation has slated four miles of Kedzie Avenue for major upgrades this year. The more-than-$5 million project includes repaving, safety upgrades, and increased access for people with disabilities.
“Kedzie Avenue is a major artery connecting the city and the suburbs,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “It connects homes and businesses, and we need to keep it in good repair.”
The upgrades will cover two separate stretches of Kedzie – one running from 87th Street to 103rd Street and the other from 115th Street to 131st Street. In addition to repaving, the repairs include better lane markings and divisions, and making street crossings safer and easier for people in wheelchairs or who otherwise have limited mobility.
“I’m happy that whenever the state makes road upgrades, it makes sidewalks and crossings more accessible,” Cunningham said. “Everyone should be able to safely travel through their own neighborhood.”
The Kedzie upgrades are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan to maintain and expand Illinois’ transportation infrastructure. Other area projects scheduled for the upcoming year include land acquisition at the corner of Southwest Highway and Harlem Avenue for future improvements and repainting the Harlem Avenue bridge over the Cal-Sag Channel.
COLLINSVILLE –State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) joined area legislators and officials with the Illinois Department of Transportation in Collinsville Tuesday to announce funding for the Metro East’s next projects as part of the state’s ongoing multi-year construction plan.
“Although Illinois is experiencing vast economic issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, this announcement comes at a time when residents need good-paying, labor jobs as well as reliable transportation,” Crowe said. “By investing in our state’s infrastructure, we’re committing to both of these necessary expectations.”
In total, the governor announced the state’s $21.3 billion plan to improve Illinois roads and bridges over the next six years. The program will create hundreds of thousands of job opportunities for residents across the state.
Earlier this year, construction began on multiple projects within the Rebuild Illinois plan, including the ongoing $67 million Interstate 255 rehabilitation project in St. Clair and Madison counties. The project is expected to be completed on time.
Passed in 2019, IDOT’s complete Multi-Year Plan can be found here.
SPRINGFIELD— State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) announced this week that an $80,047 grant has been awarded to Route History in Springfield as part of the state’s Minority-Owned Business Capital and Infrastructure Program. Route History is an organization focused on teaching the stories of tragedy, resilience, and triumph of Black people along the Historic Route 66 and in Springfield – stories that serve as a reminder of struggles and consistent perseverance towards excellence in spite of overwhelming systemic racism and injustices. Route History also leverages resources to support sustainable and transformative community projects. “Route History plays an important role in Springfield, not only by telling the stories that shaped this community, but by taking initiative to help build a brighter future for its children,” Manar said. “At this particular moment in society, Route History’s mission and purpose couldn’t be more important. The state’s investment in Route History will strengthen programs and projects that educate, uplift and empower African-American youth in Springfield.” "I'm very pleased that Route History will be receiving a Minority-Owned Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant," said Springfield Alderwoman Doris Turner. "They are doing extremely important work regarding race reconciliation and community engagement around Springfield's racial history that has, until this point, been lost." Created by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Minority Economic Empowerment, the grants will equip minority-owned firms with resources to create jobs, build capacity, and revitalize properties in underserved communities. Recipients were required to outline project proposals as part of a competitive application process. In total, the program awarded $11 million in grants to 32 businesses and organizations throughout the state. Grant recipients represent underserved communities across Illinois, as defined by the Community Development Block Grant program. Individual applicants were eligible to receive up to $500,000 per project, and the amount of the award is based on anticipated costs associated with meeting project requirements and bond guidelines. A list of Minority-Owned Business Capital and Infrastructure grant recipients can be found here.
PARK FOREST –The Kankakee River is a critical asset for neighboring communities, providing resources for nearly 80,000 people in Kankakee and Will Counties while serving industries that provide many jobs.
For decades, the river has suffered from excessive sedimentation, resulting in flooding and threatening its future. To help address this problem, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) fought for and won $7 million for local flood prevention and other improvements in his first year in office.
“Since I took office, addressing the issues of the Kankakee River has been one of my top priorities, because I know how important the Kankakee River is to our community,” Joyce said. “Seven million dollars may not solve all its problem, but this funding will help people and industry better enjoy and make use of the river.”
The $7 million project is part of the Rebuild Illinois statewide construction program, and the money will be for river bank stabilization, silt removal and flood prevention projects.
“Access to clean, abundant water is vital for economic development and provides great recreation opportunities for families,” Joyce said. “These projects will help ensure the Kankakee River remains a great resource for years to come.”
Part of the $7 million will also go towards the flooding issues that have increased in the surrounding communities over the last decade.
SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to modernize infrastructure and boost economic development, economic development groups, not-for-profits and others in Will County and surrounding areas will be able to apply to receive a portion of nearly $80 million in state grants through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
“These grants offer communities the opportunity to repair infrastructure while creating jobs,” Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) said. “This support allows local governments and organizations to invest in themselves and their residents.”
Bertino-Tarrant announced Thursday $50 million was allocated by DCEO for public infrastructure investments – which includes repairing roads and bridges. These grants are available to local governments. An additional $16.5 million will go toward regional economic development projects and $13 million to shovel-ready construction projects.
Funding for the grants is part of the Rebuild Illinois statewide construction plan approved by the General Assembly last year.
Applications for public infrastructure grants must be submitted by June 30. However, the other grant applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Prospective applicants must submit a grant proposal explaining the projects positive affect on the community.
Additional information about how to apply can be found on DCEO’s website. Additional questions can be sent to the agency at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or answered by calling 217-785-6174.
ROCKFORD –State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) joined Governor J.B. Pritzker at the Rockford Police Department this afternoon to celebrate a Rebuild Illinois project that will help revitalize Rockford’s west side.
The project is the second phase of a plan to improve U.S. Business 20/West State Street from Day Avenue to Independence Avenue. The first phase included reconstruction of West State from Independence Avenue to Kent Creek. “The project already has provided economic growth and a higher quality of life to an area long in need of a boost, “said Stadelman, citing improvements that include the new District 1 police station and Crusader Community Health rebuilding its main campus in the same West State location. “I’m thankful the state of Illinois is in the position to continue its work helping redevelop an at-risk neighborhood and a gateway into Rockford’s resurgent downtown.” Besides reconstruction and widening of West State from two to four lanes, the project’s second phase includes the addition of decorative lighting, a pedestrian and bicycle path and reconstruction of sidewalk ramps to make the area more accessible for individuals with limited mobility. “The non-road improvements are critical components to securing the neighborhood’s future as a vibrant place where families want to live and where they prosper,” Stadelman said.
A stretch of West State from Meridian Road to Springfield Avenue also is set to be resurfaced, beginning in April and concluding by the end of this summer.
SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has announced that the new Illinois Department of Transportation five-year highway construction program includes major investments in roads in the Aurora area, to the tune of $10.8 million in improvements.
In the multi-year plan’s first year, a project on Route 31/Lake Street from Rathbone Avenue in Southwest Aurora to Webster Street/Aucutt Road in Montgomery is already nearing completion. Started in September, the $850,000 project includes 1.22 miles of asphalt resurfacing and ADA compliant crosswalks and ramps. It is scheduled for completion in November.
“These are long overdue issues for safety and traffic flow on Lake Street,” Holmes said. “I’m pleased to already see positive results this funding is bringing to our community, and I look forward to more projects ahead in this multi-year plan.”
This is one of five separate projects in Holmes’ district, totaling approximately $10.8 million. The other four jobs to commence within the plan years of 2021 through 2025 include:
The Highway Improvement Program released by Gov. JB Pritzker and a bipartisan group of lawmakers includes $23.5 billion for improving and expanding roads and bridges throughout Illinois, more than doubling funding over the previous Multi-Year Plan. Projects outlined in the plan will cover 4,212 miles of roadway and 9.2 million square feet of bridge deck statewide between 2020 and 2025.
“Along with finally repairing roads and bridges, the Rebuild Illinois program and this Multi-Year Plan will put thousands of people to work in Illinois. This will boost our economy for years to come,” Holmes said.
Holmes supported legislation for the statewide construction plan during the spring legislative session of the General Assembly.
SPRINGFIELD - Major investments in Old Route 66, Interstate 55, and Illinois Route 16 in Montgomery County will be included in the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) new five-year infrastructure plan, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) announced this week.
The Multi-Year Plan released by Governor JB Pritzker and a bipartisan group of lawmakers on Monday designates $49.8 million for resurfacing, new bridge decks and other improvements to I-55 within Montgomery County, including $22 million for pavement rehabilitation over the nine-mile stretch between IL-16 and IL-108.
The plan also includes $7 million for pavement rehabilitation to IL-16 over the 13-mile stretch from Frey Ave. in Schram City to Gibson St. in Nokomis.
Old Route 66 will receive $3.4 million worth of pavement rehabilitation to the 1.7-mile stretch south of the Sangamon County line, the three-mile stretch between IL-127 and IL-108, and from 3.5 miles north of Farmersville to just east of I-55.
“Safe and reliable transportation is imperative to our economic viability and way of life in Central Illinois, especially in rural communities where ambulances, school buses, and commuting workers spend more time on the road,” Manar said. “These much-needed improvements will foster economic growth, create good-paying jobs, and make daily transportation safer for Montgomery County families. I’m thankful that IDOT is making these improvements a top priority and look forward to working with them to see these projects through.”
Manar led negotiation efforts on the statewide construction plan on behalf of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus during the spring legislative session of the General Assembly.
The projects in Montgomery County are among 110 separate projects in the Senate district Manar represents, totaling approximately $357 million. These projects include major bridge repairs and the resurfacing of 250 miles of state roads.
In total, IDOT’s statewide program will invest $23.5 billion in improving and expanding roads and bridges throughout Illinois, more than double the size of the previous year’s Multi-Year Plan. Projects outlined in the plan will cover 4,212 miles of roadway and 9.2 million square feet of bridge deck statewide between 2020 and 2025.
Click here for a complete list of projects in Montgomery County.
CHICAGO – Assistant Majority Leader Iris Y. Martinez announced four new road and bridge projects in the 20th District under the Illinois Department of Transportation’s five-year Highway Improvement Program, slated to begin in 2020.
“This is a smart, comprehensive plan to repair our roads and bridges, increasing reliability for drivers while also creating sustainable jobs for people in Illinois,” Martinez said.
The Highway Improvement Program released by Governor JB Pritzker and a bipartisan group of lawmakers on Monday includes:
The 20th District’s 2020 projects total an estimated $17.7 million to repair 2.56 miles of roadway, with more projects expected to begin in 2021.
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) announced that the recently released Illinois Department of Transportation five-year Highway Improvement Program includes major improvements to several major highways and bridges across the South Suburbs.
“The Rebuild Illinois Project is beginning to bear fruit,” Hastings said. “With I-80, I-57 and I-355 serving as key arteries of this region's transportation hub, their upkeep is essential. Residents from Joliet to Matteson are going to see quality results, making their lives safer and easier over the next five years.”
Projects beginning in 2020 include widening I-80 from US Route 30 in New Lenox to Ridge Road in Minooka, improvements to Illinois Route 6 at Gouger Road in New Lenox, additional lighting for expressways from Matteson to Richton Park and repaving I-80 from Harlem Avenue in Tinley Park to US Route 30 in New Lenox.
The next five years will also see the restructuring of the I-80 bridge over the Des Plaines River, complete with repaving, widening, and structural improvements.
“Widespread infrastructure improvements have been necessary for years, but this bridge in particular has presented a clear, pressing need,” Hastings said. “We’ve seen bridges crumble due to negligence. This was a public safety problem, so I am thrilled that we are taking the necessary steps to provide safe means of transportation for our communities.”
A complete breakdown of highway improvement projects in the 19th District can be found here: http://www.idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Transportation-System/Reports/OP&P/HIP/2020-2025/ilsenate/sdist19.pdf
SPRINGFIELD - Major investments in IL-48, IL-29 and local roads in Christian County will be included in the Illinois Department of Transportation’s new five-year infrastructure plan, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) announced this week.
The Multi-Year Plan released by Governor JB Pritzker and a bipartisan group of lawmakers on Monday designates $34 million for 15 road and bridge projects in Christian County, including $8.9 million for 15 miles of pavement rehabilitation of IL-48 between Taylorville and the Montgomery County line. The plan also includes $7.1 million for pavement rehabilitation on IL-29 over the 10-mile stretch between Velma Rd. just south of Taylorville to Magnolia St. in Pana.
Lincoln Trail in Taylorville will undergo a 2.5-mile pavement rehabilitation project between IL-48 and 1350 North Rd, while McAdam Dr. will see .57 miles of pavement rehabilitation between IL-48 and IL-29.
The 15 projects in Christian County are among 110 separate projects in the Senate district Manar represents, totaling approximately $357 million. These projects include major bridge repairs and the resurfacing of 250 miles of state roads.
Click here for a complete list of projects in Christian County.
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