From Republican Congressman Darin LaHood:
LaHood Secures Nearly $19 Million for Critical Projects in the 16th District
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) announced that he secured nearly $19 million for community and infrastructure projects in the 16th District during the House of Representatives appropriations process.
“I was proud to vote today to fund the government and ensure it remains open and functioning for the American people,” said Rep. LaHood. “Throughout this appropriations process, I have advocated for critical projects that directly address the needs of communities across the 16th District. I am happy to announce that I have secured nearly $19 million for meaningful investments in public safety, economic growth, and critical infrastructure projects in communities across Central and Northwestern Illinois. I will continue my work to be a strong voice for my district and to deliver real results for the families, workers, and communities I have the privilege to represent.”
Background:
Members of Congress are able to submit Community Project Funding requests during the annual appropriations process to support infrastructure and community projects in their district. This cycle, Representative LaHood was able to secure nearly $19 million for 11 projects that strengthen economies, update critical infrastructure, increase public safety, and improve the quality of life for families throughout the 16th District.
Galena Road Industrial Park Infrastructure Update in Peoria
- Recipient: City of Peoria
- Funding Received: $600,000
- Project Description: The funding will be used to help make necessary infrastructure upgrades to the businesses looking to locate to the Galena Road Industrial Park, sparking economic activity in the surrounding area. This will ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to retain Peoria area community investment. The current lack of industrial buildings in the area prohibits businesses from growing, causing them to leave the Peoria area, which impacts jobs and other opportunities for constituents in my district. The improved infrastructure will provide a clear economic development benefit to the greater Peoria region through the creation of high paying jobs in growing industries employing a skilled workforce.
Radnor Road Street Corridor Plan in Peoria
- Recipient: Peoria County
- Funding Received: $1,000,000
- Project Description: The funding will be used to complete NEPA documentation, including preliminary design and planning, for Radnor Road, a vital north-south connector for the City of Peoria. This will improve public safety, increase economic development, and expand transportation accessibility for Peoria county residents. The update will provide additional access for economic development in the Medina Plains Corporate Park and connectivity for the extension of Pioneer Parkway. These proposed developments will increase traffic and the rural road needs improvement to provide adequate levels of safety and capacity for the predicted traffic increase.
Furrow Bridge Replacement in Pekin
- Recipient: Tazwell County
- Funding Received: $500,000
- Project Description: The funding will be used for the replacement of the Furrow Road Bridge and address safety concerns for what is currently an outdated and unsafe bridge. The bridge serves a large agricultural area, and the ability for farmers to get their crops to market safely is fundamental to local agriculture in central Illinois. The project will provide further access and support for safe transportation of agricultural products and ensure the community has the necessary resources to properly maintain a vital transportation system.
Park and Bilger Bridges Replacement in Streator
- Recipient: City of Streator
- Funding Received: $1,000,000
- Project Description: The funding will be used for the replacement of the Park Street and Bilger Street box culvert bridges. This will support the maintenance of a vital section of Streator’s infrastructure system and improve accessibility for a roadway used by first responders, commercial, and residential traffic in the City of Streator. The removal and replacement of the Park Street and Bilger Bridges will prevent the closure of critical infrastructure junctions in Streator and ensure individuals, families, and businesses in Central and Northwestern Illinois have a robust infrastructure system that provides a reliable, efficient, and safe transportation network.
Design and Construction of Air Cargo Road at the Central Illinois Regional Airport
- Recipient: Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority
- Funding Received: $1,500,000
- Project Description: The funding will be used for the design and construction of a new air cargo road. Constructing this air cargo road will allow the Airport Authority to redirect this truck activity to a different road, and in turn, immediately improve traffic safety for all vehicles accessing the air cargo and passenger terminal areas.
Design and Construction of new Interchange at Minooka Road and I-80
- Recipient: Grundy County
- Funding Received: $5,000,000
- Project Description: The funding will be used for the design and construction of a new interchange at Minooka Road and Interstate 80 in Grundy County. The interchange would improve access to the neighboring industrial district, which has seen significant growth in freight-generating business and support the potential for substantial additional job growth. The project includes comprehensive planning, capacity, and mobility improvements by Grundy County, ensuring the long-term functionality of the region.
Technology Update for the Bloomington Real Time Information and Crime Center
- Recipient: City of Bloomington
- Funding Received: $556,000
- Project Description: The funding will be used to acquire essential technology and software for the regions only Real Time Information and Crime Center (RTICC) – a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance public safety, provide real-time intelligence, and support law enforcement across the city, surrounding communities and the State of Illinois. The essential technology includes live crime mapping, predictive analytics, and expanded public safety camera infrastructure – tools that the department cannot currently afford but are vital for modern policing.
Fargo Creek Flooding Mediation Project in Dixon
- Recipient: City of Dixon
- Funding Received: $2,000,000
- Project Description: The funding will be used for the installation of retention ponds to mitigate flooding, floodways, and floodplain in the Fargo Creek Redevelopment Project Area. This public/private partnership will feature the development of retention ponds to the west of the current Gateway Project. Fargo Creek is the number one contributor to the floodway and floodplain designations in Dixon’s downtown commercial business district along the Rock River.
Lift Station and Force Main Improvements Project in South Beloit
- Recipient: City of South Beloit
- Funding Received: $750,000
- Project Description: The funding will be used for the replacement of the failing Lift Station No. 1 and the associated Force Main that transports sewage from the west side of the Rock River to the new South Beloit Wastewater Treatment Plant. The original lift station and Force Main were constructed in 1956 and have exceeded useful life.
Construction of new Fire Department and EMS Facility in Metamora
- Recipient: Village of Metamora
- Funding Received: $4,000,000
- Project Description: The funding will be used for the construction of a new public safety building to serve the Village of Metamora and the surrounding rural area. The project will alleviate safety concerns for the area’s first responders, address the severe shortage of EMTs and Paramedics, and ensure our first responders have the necessary tools and resources to meet the immediate safety demands of the Metamora community.
Construction of Behavioral Health Services & Workforce Training Center in Princeton
- Recipient: Arukah Institute
- Funding Received: $2,000,000
- Project Description: The funding will be used for the construction of a 32,000 sq. ft. rural behavioral health services and workforce training center in Princeton, Illinois. The Arukah Institute of Healing serves patients struggling with substance use or mental illness regardless of their ability to pay. The project will allow Arukah to increase rural healthcare services, address the root causes of mental health and substance use, and continue to support the healthcare needs of our rural communities.
