PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler joined the Illinois Department of Transportation to celebrate the upcoming completion of the $24.6 million Bob Michel Bridge rehabilitation that will help connect pedestrians between the East Peoria Levee and Peoria Warehouse districts.

“Today, we’re celebrating not just an infrastructure upgrade, but a testament to our collective determination to enhance connectivity and community safety,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The wellbeing of our residents is imperative, and with the modernization the Bob Michel Bridge has undergone, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists can be assured their safety is a top priority.”

The Bob Michel Bridge carries about 17,000 vehicles a day on Illinois 40 over the Illinois River between Peoria and East Peoria. Both communities are undergoing a revitalization of commercial and retail industries along the riverfront. In March, the bridge closed in order to construct a new deck, undergo structural repairs, modernize traffic signals, and more thanks to funding from the Koehler-backed historic Rebuild Illinois Program.

“Providing multiple safe, reliable mobility options for the public is one of the centerpieces of Rebuild Illinois,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “The Bob Michel Bridge project not only expedited longtime maintenance needs but also delivered on finding new, exciting ways to get around the greater Peoria area.”

Narrow sidewalks on both lanes of traffic were consolidated into a 14-foot-wide path protected from Illinois 40 by a concrete barrier, providing a safer travel option for bicyclists and pedestrians while providing connections to the region’s trail network, including the Rock Island Greenway Trail and the River Trail of Illinois. New LED lighting was also installed to improve visibility and safety.

PEORIA – With support from State Senator Dave Koehler, the City of East Peoria will receive a $200,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the final phase of recreational development projects at Camp Street Trail.

“This investment will positively affect our community in so many ways,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By funding recreational projects, we’re enriching the lives of residents, creating employment opportunities and solidifying our commitment to building a flourishing environment for generations to come.”

More than $3.7 million was awarded to 19 different communities, which will be used to help meet the growing demand for improved trails and outdoor recreational facilities. Grants may be used for land acquisition, trail construction and rehabilitation, purchase of equipment for trail development and maintenance, restoration of areas damaged by unauthorized trail use, construction of trail-related support facilities, such as parking and restrooms, and educational programs.

The 19 recipients were recommended for funding by the Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, overseen by IDNR, which is made up of representatives of statewide motorized and non-motorized user organizations, state agencies, organizations involved in greenways and trails, and metro-area greenways and trails coalitions.

“The funding East Peoria is receiving is crucial for building a holistic community,” said Koehler. “Through this project, we’ll be enhancing the city’s recreational options and improving the wellbeing of residents.”

To see a full list of recipients, click here.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure farmers have insurance in the event of a natural disaster or other costly incident, State Senator Dave Koehler supported a new law that will strengthen regulations for farm mutual insurance companies.

“We have to protect our farmers and the land they own that puts food on our tables,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Ensuring farmers have coverage in the case of a natural disaster is important, especially here in Illinois where our ag industry is vital.”

Farm mutual insurance companies offer a type of mutual insurance to farmers or rural property owners. Prior to this new law, the Illinois Department of Insurance required unlimited catastrophic aggregate reinsurance coverage. Currently, only one company will be offering contracts that meet the DOI’s requirements, and as a result, many farm mutual insurance companies will struggle to find reinsurance coverage.

Senate Bill 765 requires farm mutual insurance companies to have and maintain adequate — rather than unlimited — catastrophic reinsurance, which is defined as the amount required for a 500-year catastrophic event. The Koehler-backed law ensures broader access to reinsurance products, preventing more than 51,000 policy holders from becoming uninsured at the end of the year.

“This law allows the marketplace to correct and set appropriate coverages and pricing for farm mutual companies and its policyholders,” said Koehler. “I will always be an advocate for our farmers, and this is a much-needed step to ensure their property is protected.”

Senate Bill 765 was signed into law Friday and took effect immediately.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is recognizing the 10^th anniversary of the devastating tornado that tore through Washington and Pekin communities — a solemn reminder of the importance of year-round weather preparedness.

"We still remember the events that occurred a decade ago that left these communities devastated,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The people who lived in the communities hit by the tornado worked to clean up after the storms and help make their towns habitable again.”

In the early hours of Nov. 17, 2013, a devastating EF-4 tornado tore through the communities of Washington and Pekin, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. The storm caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure, and resulted in the death of one individual.

The process of attempting to recover belongings took days — for some, several years. Koehler, who was at the scene following the storm, recalls helping remove debris, assessing damages and working with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross to expedite relief to the many families in need of basic personal items.

“It’s important to have a plan in place in case of a disaster, no matter the time of year or season, to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe,” said Koehler. “It is in times of crisis, such as the Washington tornado, that we are reminded about the importance of storm readiness and the strength within our community to come together to support one another.”

On this significant milestone, we honor the memory of the victims and recognize the tireless efforts of survivors, first responders, those who helped the community recover, and all who bravely answered the call for help.

Resources are available on the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security website.