Koehler announces $200,000 grant to revitalize bike path at Heartland Community College

PEORIA – The Birky Pond Bike Path at Heartland Community College in Normal is being revitalized thanks to an Illinois Bicycle Path grant secured by State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Revitalization efforts for the Birky Pond Bike Path will provide the community with a safe and fun place to enjoy,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Investing in public infrastructure is important to ensure that our community can grow and thrive for years to come.”

The $200,000 grant comes from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Bicycle Path Grant Program. The funding will be used to revitalize the bike path at Heartland and allow the community to enjoy the campus pond, wildlife and vegetation.

“The prospect of job creation and economic development by way of this bicycle path project is both exciting and important,” Koehler said. “This grant will allow residents to more fully enjoy Birky Pond at Heartland Community College.”

To read more about the Bike Path Grant Program, click here.

Koehler: Illinois takes the lead on a nationwide effort to decarbonize

• Hydrogen Hub

PEORIA – Illinois was chosen as a regional clean hydrogen hub to drive clean manufacturing by President Biden and U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, an effort State Senator Dave Koehler has been a leader on. 

"Here in Illinois, we are taking the lead on a nationwide effort to decarbonize,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Illinois’ prime location, strong workforce and clean energy agenda will be displayed on the national level. I’ve known our state is a leader in decarbonization efforts, and I will continue supporting Illinois’ move to clean hydrogen.”

Seven regional clean hydrogen hubs were selected to receive $7 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to accelerate the domestic market for low-cost, clean hydrogen. Illinois was one of three states chosen as the Midwest Hydrogen Hub, with Indiana and Michigan.

Located in a key U.S. industrial and transportation corridor, the Midwest Hydrogen Hub will enable decarbonization through strategic hydrogen uses including steel and glass production, power generation, refining, heavy-duty transportation and sustainable aviation fuel. This hydrogen hub plans to produce hydrogen by leveraging diverse and abundant energy sources, including renewable energy, natural gas and low-cost nuclear energy. The Midwest Hydrogen Hub anticipates creating 12,100 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent jobs.

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Koehler announces new highway-rail safety project in Peoria

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler announced that the Illinois Commerce Commission has approved multiple projects to improve highway-rail safety in the Peoria Metro Area totaling over $3 million.

“This needed project will help protect and alert all Peoria residents driving across the tracks and will help prevent further railway disasters,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Updating our infrastructure to make it safe and simplified is one small update that impacts the well-being of all residents in the area.”

The improvements will be made at County Line Road near Bureau; Lincoln Street in Henry; Main Street, Edmund Street, Williams Street, and Western Avenue in Marshall County; at East Fairview Street and East Resthaven Road near Mossville; Detweiler Golf Road in Peoria; and at Marine Drive in Peoria.

 “These projects will prevent issues for every driver going across the tracks in our area, from tourists to locals,” Koehler said. “Illinois is finding ways to help our communities, and this is another great step to improve safety measures in Peoria.”

People can visit the Illinois Commerce Commission’s website more information on the Crossing Safety Improvement Program.

Koehler announces over $1 million to confront blighted properties in Peoria, Bloomington area

• Housing

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler announced that Bloomington, Peoria and Peoria County are set to receive a combined total of more than $1 million to support community revitalization efforts. 

“Abandoned properties are a detriment to our communities,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “When we invest in revitalizing housing, we expand homeownership opportunities. These strong investments will boost local economies and uplift our neighborhoods.”

The Illinois Housing Development Authority recently approved $19 million to support affordable housing and community revitalization efforts across Illinois. Awarded under the Strong Communities Program, the initiative will provide funding to 68 units of local governments and land bank authorities for the acquisition, maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition of abandoned residential properties in their communities. The program is designed to support local revitalization efforts and attract further investment in communities that may lack the resources needed to tackle vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties.

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