ROCKFORD -- A local company hoping to harness the Rock River to generate electrical power for homes is receiving nearly $1 million in state funding to help develop the project, State Senator Steve Stadelman confirmed today. If the initial demonstration product is successful, Rockford could become the hub for manufacture and sales of micro-hydro cycling systems.
"The test program being proposed for the Fordham Dam is just the type of clean energy development we had in mind when we approved the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act," Stadelman said. "Rockford has a proud manufacturing tradition, and being the base for production and sales of this technology will bring jobs and could lead to wider economic growth."

Latitude Power of Rockford in partnership with Studio GWA has been awarded a $914,330 grant through the Illinois Equitable Energy Future program. Latitude Principal Carl Cacciatore said the demonstration product would take 18 months to manufacture and install, including time to obtain approvals that may be required by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

The demonstration product would generate enough electricity to power five homes, Cacciatore said. Once proven, the technology at Fordham Dam would be expanded to generate up to 25 kilowatts an hour -- enough to supply electricity to at least 50 homes. Latitude would also need to reach an agreement with ComEd to direct the energy into its electricity grid and offer residential users a credit on their bills.

"There are all sorts of applications for this that will then spread out across the country," said Cacciatore, a retired program manager for what is now Collins Aerospace. "Rockford will be at the center of it all."

A conceptual design of the cycling system can be seen here.
Latitude's grant is among 27 being awarded statewide by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. DCEO also is opening a third round of applications for another $25.5 million in Equitable Energy Future grants, designed to benefit clean energy development in communities that have historically lacked access to capital.
Qualified entities can apply for grants from $250,000 to $1 million until 5 p.m. December 31. To view and apply for the grant, visit the DCEO website or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for application assistance. 

SPRINGFIELD – To help fill vacant state job positions, State Senator Steve Stadelman passed a measure out of the Senate to diversify the state workforce and improve hiring outcomes that would open the door for more state job positions for people across Illinois.

“There are many people who have relevant work experience but lack a college degree, eliminating their eligibility from almost all state government jobs,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “If a degree is the only qualification they don’t meet, we are turning away talent that will still be able to get the jobs filled and done right.” 

Senate Bill 1884 would allow relevant work experience – in lieu of a bachelor’s degree – to be considered when filling state job opportunities. Relevant work experience does not apply if the knowledge, skills or abilities required for the position for which an applicant is applying can only reasonably be obtained through a course of study in pursuit of a bachelor’s or other advanced degree.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was sworn in for a new term Wednesday as the Illinois Senate officially began the 104th General Assembly. He released the following statement:

“It is always an honor to take the oath of office and serve the people of the greater Rockford region. I will continue efforts to boost our economy, increase access to health care and education and improve the lives of people in the 34th Senate District and throughout the state.

“I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we tackle Illinois’ problems and look for solutions. I'll continue listening and fighting for the people of the Rockford area and ensure their voice is heard in Springfield.”

ROCKFORD – Thanks to support from State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) three local museums will receive a combined $838,000 to make improvements and create new exhibits.   

“Museums provide extraordinary opportunities for education and are great environments to explore and learn about our history,” Stadelman said. “The grants going to these museums will provide the resources necessary to serve the community.”

The Department of Natural Resources announced three museums in Rockford that will be receiving grants. The Rockford Art Museum will receive $301,000, the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens will receive $104,000, and the Discovery Center Museum will receive $433,000.