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.

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.

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.

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.