News

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is highlighting an opportunity for area airports to apply for funding for improvement projects through the Rebuild Illinois statewide construction program.

“This investment in our local airports is long overdue,” Koehler said. “This money from the Rebuild Illinois program will allow airports in Central Illinois and across the state to pay for much-needed improvements that will keep passengers safe and our economy strong. I encourage our local airports to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for funding.”

Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the Rebuild Illinois program will provide $94 million in funding to improve public airports throughout the state. Through a competitive grant process, airports may submit project proposals for updates, improvements, and extensions of their facilities.

Airports must be for public use and included in the Illinois Aviation System Plan to be eligible for the funding. Applications are due June 14 to be eligible for grants of up to $25 million.

Airports in the Peoria area that are eligible to apply for the funding include General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, Ingersoll Airport in Canton, and Pekin Municipal Airport.

Application information is available by visiting IDOT’s Airport Improvement Program page. Awards are anticipated to be announced later this year.

PEORIA – Upon the inauguration of Rita Ali as the mayor of the City of Peoria, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) released the following statement:

“I would like to sincerely congratulate my friend and colleague, Dr. Rita Ali, on her historic achievement as the first woman and the first African American and person of color to be elected as mayor of Peoria. Although she is the first, she will not be the last, and I am certain she will leave a lasting mark on Peoria and Central Illinois. I would also like to thank Mayor Ardis for the time and hard work he has dedicated to bettering our city. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) meant to encourage investment to historic parts of downtown Peoria passed out of the Senate last Thursday.

“Peoria has already seen a great deal of economic growth and restoration as a result of the River Edge Redevelopment Zone tax credit,” Koehler said. “By renewing this credit, we encourage even more investment in our community and offer a second chance to parts of our city that have become neglected over the years.”

Originally set to expire at the end of this year, Senate Bill 1823 will continue the River Edge Redevelopment Zone tax credit through the end of 2030 for zones that begin incurring costs by January 1, 2027.  The tax credit has also helped redevelop parts of Aurora, East St. Louis, Elgin and Rockford.

“Our warehouse district here in Peoria has certainly benefited from this credit in the past, and I thank the Senator for sponsoring legislation to extend its life,” said Rita Ali, Mayor of Peoria. “I welcome and look forward to continued investment in our beautiful city.”

This legislation has gone to the House for further consideration.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is promoting Work Zone Awareness Week in an effort to remind Illinoisans to take extreme caution when driving through construction zones this spring and summer.

“We’re lucky to have so many ongoing infrastructure project in the Peoria area, but this means we all have to be especially diligent when we’re in the car,” Koehler said.

The Murray Baker Bridge in Peoria is just one of several landmarks across the state that will be turning its lights orange at night in honor of those who have died in work zones and to raise awareness as the Illinois Department of Transportation begins a new construction season.

“No one should have to lose their life as a result of carelessness,” Koehler said. “I am proud to know that the City of Peoria is participating in this effort to prevent work zone deaths.”

On average, Illinois sees 6,400 work zone crashes every year, resulting in 1,700 injuries and 34 deaths. Those who wish to learn more can visit IDOT’s Work Zone page.