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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Koehler: Utility bill assistance opens Oct. 2

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is encouraging all eligible people to apply to this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help with utility costs. Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.

“As utility costs continue to rise, it’s important for people to be aware of the cost saving resources the state has to offer,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “People need to be able to heat their homes as we approach winter. I encourage families to take advantage of this program that will cut down their energy bills.”

Energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. Last year's LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.

Beginning Oct. 2, eligible families can apply to this year’s program by visiting HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or by visiting their local agency (a list of partners throughout the state can be found here). Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.

All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP.

Koehler announces nearly $250,000 grant coming to Peoria hospital

PEORIA – To improve statewide pediatric emergency and disaster readiness capabilities, State Senator Dave Koehler announced a $249,000 grant was awarded to OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria. 

“Investing in our health care system is important for patients’ outcomes, whether it be for children’s routine care or pediatric emergency care,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Peoria’s location plays a vital role in Central Illinois with rural and urban communities. I look forward to expanding the resources and care OSF Children’s Hospital has to offer.”

Administered through the Illinois Department of Public Health, OSF Children’s Hospital received a $249,000 grant to conduct assessments of disaster plans at more than 30 Illinois hospitals, focusing on the inclusion of pediatric components to those plans. The hospital will develop resources and educational materials as well as share best practices that can be used to address identified gaps and disparities in that care.

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