PEORIA – The City of Peoria is set to receive $1.2 million in grants to to revitalize a commercial corridor on Western Avenue and boost economic development in the community, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced.

“Many of our small businesses are still struggling to get back on their feet after the challenges of the last two years,” Koehler said. “By bringing investment and improvement to our commercial corridors, we are laying a foundation for our businesses as they first recover and then continue to grow.”

The funding comes through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Rebuild Distressed Communities program. The program is designed to help impacted small businesses repair damages and rebuild or expand, and to deliver long-term improvements along commercial corridors where businesses experienced damages during civil unrest.

These corridor improvements will repair and refresh the surrounding area while increasing economic opportunities for impacted businesses. The projects were evaluated based on project need, capacity, quality, and societal impact.

“When our local businesses thrive, our community thrives,” Koehler said. “This funding will help bring energy and life back to the parts of our city that are hurting most.”

The final round of Rebuild Distressed Communities program provides $976,000 to 26 small businesses and $7.45 million to help revitalize seven commercial corridors located across the state. A full list of grantees is available online.

More information on assistance available for small businesses and ongoing capital programs can be found on DCEO’s website.

PEORIA – A law sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler, a longtime advocate to streamline the FOID card process for responsible gun owners, took effect earlier this week.

“This law will address a years-long backlog of FOID card applications across Illinois while closing loopholes that allow firearms to fall into dangerous hands,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The modernized system will save time and money for lawful applicants, and will allow the Illinois State Police to more fully dedicate its resources to reducing gun violence.”

Public Act 102-0237 went into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, and expedites the FOID card renewal process for lawful gun owners in order to reduce hassle and prevent future backlogs.

Under the law, new FOID cards will be issued without expiration dates, and firearm owners who hold valid conceal carry licenses will receive combined FOID and CCL. Residents will also find it easier to keep these cards on them at all times through a new electronic option.

For residents whose FOID card expires during the term of their CCL, the FOID card will be automatically renewed without a fee. The person will then be sent a new combined FOID and CCL. Combined cards will not have printed issuance or expiration dates and will serve as both the cardholder’s FOID and CCL.

“Keeping our families safe from gun violence and removing undue hassle for lawful firearm owners aren’t mutually exclusive goals,” Koehler said. “This law will protect both our communities and our liberties.”

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is reminding drivers they now have an additional three months to renew their licenses.

“By extending the deadline for Illinoisans to renew their licenses or registration, and offering many services through the secretary of state’s website, we can avoid crowded facilities,” Koehler said. “I hope residents will take advantage of online secretary of state services from the safety of their own homes for the time being.”

Secretary of State Jesse White’s office announced that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended to March 31, 2022, with the exception of commercial driver’s licenses. The extension comes as secretary of state offices across Illinois continue to get caught up following COVID-19-related closures to their daily operations. 

To cut down on long lines and wait times, Koehler encourages people to take advantage of the secretary of state’s online services at ilsos.gov. These services include:

• Renewing a vehicle registration;
• Applying for a vehicle title and registration;
• Obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card;
• Obtaining a driving record abstract;
• Renewing a standard driver’s license with the Safe Driver Renewal program.

Koehler is also reminding residents the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. Current Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities.

More information and online services, including license plate renewal, can be found at ilsos.gov.

PEORIA – Four local airports across the district State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) represents will receive much-needed upgrades thanks to over $3.5 million in state funding.

“Local airports in Central Illinois are vital to our economy,” Koehler said. “They offer the ability to move people and products in a safe and efficient manner and provide good-paying jobs to many members of our community.”

The funding is provided through the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, and designates a total of $94 million for 96 airport projects in both urban and rural communities across the state. Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of public airports to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Local airports will receive the following amounts of state funding:

• General Wayne A. Downing ‐ Peoria International Airport, $900,000
• Ingersoll Airport, $360,000
• Mount Hawley Auxiliary Airport, $634,500
• Pekin Municipal Airport, $1,665,000

“The grants allow smaller airports in our state to make much-needed repairs, modernize their facilities and attract more passengers,” Koehler said. “I look forward to seeing how these upgrades will help revitalize our community."

A full list of recipients as well as designated projects can be found on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s website.