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.
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced that the Illinois Department of Transportation’s five-year Highway Improvement Program includes major projects for U.S. Route 14 and Illinois Route 53.
U.S. Route 14 between Smith Rd. and Hicks Rd. will receive over $1.1 million for repaving and accessibility improvements for people with disabilities. Three other projects are outlined for U.S. Route 14 in the coming years, potentially including new crosswalks, bridge repair and new left turn lanes.
Illinois Route 53 will receive $1.1 million to repair the bridge near Sunset Park in Rolling Meadows. Three other projects are outlined for Illinois Route 53 in the coming years.
Palatine Rd. between Williams Dr. and Alison Dr. will receive $800,000 for general repairs.
“Commuters use Northwest Highway and Route 53 every day. They are some of the most-used roads in our community,” Gillespie said. “Now that the bipartisan, statewide construction plan is becoming a reality, major roadways across the state will improve and drivers will begin to see savings on vehicle maintenance.”
The program will invest $23.5 billion in improving and expanding roads and bridges throughout Illinois. 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.
SPRINGFIELD – Long-overdue upgrades to U.S. Route 41 and Illinois Route 176 in the 29th District will begin next year, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) announced Tuesday.
The state is investing more than $35 million for local road and bridge projects in 2020.
Parts of the northern suburbs in Lake and Cook counties will receive updates to the roads as part of Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation’s $23.5 billion, five-year highway improvement plan – pegged as “Rebuild Illinois.”
Over the next five years, the district Sen. Morrison represents will receive approximately $182 million to complete 54 projects.
“For years, drivers on these roads have dealt with delays and unsafe road conditions,” Sen. Morrison said. “I am proud to have worked with local officials to secure funding to fix this stretch of roadway in the Rebuild Illinois Program.”
Pritzker and IDOT announced the plan Monday and outlined projects that will take place in each Senate district. The 14 projects expected to take place in the 29th District next year will span 11.28 miles.
Projects that will begin in 2020 include the following:
Alongside road and bridge repairs, work will also be done to alleviate persistent flooding on U.S. Route 41 at Deerpath Road. A new pump station and emergency generator are both expected to be built in the area.
“The work that will be done on U.S. Route 41 and Illinois Route 176 are important projects that will create jobs and make the roads safer for drivers,” Sen. Morrison said. “I applaud my fellow lawmakers for their bipartisan support on this comprehensive project.”
The multi-year plan will invest $23.5 billion to maintain, preserve and expand more than 4,000 miles of roads and 9.2 million square feet of bridges across the state. It is part of the $45 billion infrastructure plan passed by lawmakers in the spring.