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.

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.

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.

PEORIA – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments that are possible due to strong support from State Senator Dave Koehler, multiple projects in the Peoria area are complete, planned or underway. 

“We continue to see the much-needed improvements the historic Rebuild Illinois program delivers, promoting economic development and creating jobs right here in our neighborhoods,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Our commitment to invest in everyday infrastructure continues to better the lives of residents across the state. Peoria drivers deserve safe, reliable roads and that’s what they will see with these strong investments.”

The Rebuild Illinois program invests over $33 billion over six years into the state’s aging transportation system. Eight major projects in the Peoria area received over $270 million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region. Of the eight major projects, six are scheduled to be completed this year, with the remaining two in the fall of 2024.