PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced Monday that local governments in the 46th District will receive over $4.5 million in the newest round of Rebuild Illinois infrastructure grants.

“This funding will allow Illinois to stay at the forefront of infrastructure investment and improvement in the Midwest,” Koehler said. “When we take the time to improve our infrastructure, we improve our future.”

The funding gives local governments resources to repair and maintain infrastructure, create jobs and boost the economy on a local level. Municipalities may choose to use the grant for road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs, with financial oversight from IDOT.

Local governments in the Peoria County will receive over $2.5 million, Tazewell County will receive over $1.7 million, and Fulton County will receive over $430,000.

“Rebuild Illinois has already repaired and revitalized thousands of miles of roads, some of which run right through the hearts of communities here in Central Illinois,” Koehler said. “This funding will bring good-paying jobs into our community and will help ensure that cities and towns both here and across the state can grow and thrive for years into the future.”

This funding comes as the fourth of six rounds of $1.5 billion in grants through the Rebuild Illinois program. Those interested can find a complete list of awards here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is highlighting an opportunity for area airports to apply for funding for improvement projects through the Rebuild Illinois statewide construction program.

“This investment in our local airports is long overdue,” Koehler said. “This money from the Rebuild Illinois program will allow airports in Central Illinois and across the state to pay for much-needed improvements that will keep passengers safe and our economy strong. I encourage our local airports to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for funding.”

Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the Rebuild Illinois program will provide $94 million in funding to improve public airports throughout the state. Through a competitive grant process, airports may submit project proposals for updates, improvements, and extensions of their facilities.

Airports must be for public use and included in the Illinois Aviation System Plan to be eligible for the funding. Applications are due June 14 to be eligible for grants of up to $25 million.

Airports in the Peoria area that are eligible to apply for the funding include General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, Ingersoll Airport in Canton, and Pekin Municipal Airport.

Application information is available by visiting IDOT’s Airport Improvement Program page. Awards are anticipated to be announced later this year.

PEORIA – Upon the inauguration of Rita Ali as the mayor of the City of Peoria, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) released the following statement:

“I would like to sincerely congratulate my friend and colleague, Dr. Rita Ali, on her historic achievement as the first woman and the first African American and person of color to be elected as mayor of Peoria. Although she is the first, she will not be the last, and I am certain she will leave a lasting mark on Peoria and Central Illinois. I would also like to thank Mayor Ardis for the time and hard work he has dedicated to bettering our city. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) meant to encourage investment to historic parts of downtown Peoria passed out of the Senate last Thursday.

“Peoria has already seen a great deal of economic growth and restoration as a result of the River Edge Redevelopment Zone tax credit,” Koehler said. “By renewing this credit, we encourage even more investment in our community and offer a second chance to parts of our city that have become neglected over the years.”

Originally set to expire at the end of this year, Senate Bill 1823 will continue the River Edge Redevelopment Zone tax credit through the end of 2030 for zones that begin incurring costs by January 1, 2027.  The tax credit has also helped redevelop parts of Aurora, East St. Louis, Elgin and Rockford.

“Our warehouse district here in Peoria has certainly benefited from this credit in the past, and I thank the Senator for sponsoring legislation to extend its life,” said Rita Ali, Mayor of Peoria. “I welcome and look forward to continued investment in our beautiful city.”

This legislation has gone to the House for further consideration.