ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is announcing that Winnebago County will receive over $4.5 million in funding for local transportation projects through the Rebuild Illinois statewide construction program.

“This funding demonstrates the state’s continued commitment to local roads and bridges in the Rockford area,” Stadelman said. “When Rockford’s infrastructure improves, so does our local economy.”

Rebuild Illinois has allocated $1.5 billion in funding specifically for municipal- and county-level projects. Infrastructure investments improve safety, quality of life and the economy, which contributes to the revitalization of communities across the state.

“Through the Rebuild Illinois program, we’ve been able to address much needed improvements in the Rockford area. I’m proud to have been a part of this massive state investment,” Stadelman said.

Projects are selected and managed locally in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Transportation, including road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs.

The city of Rockford and Winnebago County are set to receive over $1.6 million in funding each, with the remaining $1.3 million being distributed to other local cities and townships within Winnebago County.

A complete list of local agencies and awards can be viewed here.

ROCKFORD – Each year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources selects schools across the state to receive grants for field trips. This year, Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is congratulating Cherry Valley Elementary School’s 3rd grade class on being selected as a winner.

“This Biodiversity Grant Program provides an excellent chance for students to expand their education outside of the classroom,” Stadelman said. “I’m pleased that the students at     Cherry Valley Elementary School were chosen for this great opportunity.”

The program allows schools to take students to state parks, museums, and other natural resource locations to gain hands-on experience with nature and conservation in Illinois.

Four classes selected for the grant will take a trip to Severson Dells Nature Center, which hosts environmental education courses in the 369-acre Severson Dells Forest Preserve. At the center, students have the opportunity to see first-hand some of what they are learning about in the classroom and expand their knowledge of Illinois and its natural resources.

More information about the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program is available from the IDNR Division of Education at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 217-524-4126. The 2022 application form will be available here.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is urging local business owners to take advantage of changes to the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which are meant to make the program more accessible to smaller businesses.

“The PPP program has been able to help keep many Rockford businesses afloat during these unprecedented times,” Stadelman said. “If you’re a sole proprietor or an independent contractor who did not qualify prior to these changes, I’m encouraging you to check again.”

The federal government recently improved the program’s formula used to calculate loans, making it easier for sole proprietors, independent contractors, and the self-employed to qualify for relief. It also established that student loan debt and prior incarceration will no longer prevent small business owners from obtaining relief.

“If you have a business with less than 20 employees, I’m urging you to apply as soon as possible,” Stadelman said. “The special window for these businesses to apply is only two weeks, so now is the time.”

The federal government has created a special window where only applications from businesses with less than 20 employees will be processed. It opened Feb. 24 and extends for two weeks.

More information about the PPP program, including how to apply, is available on the Small Business Administration’s website.

ROCKFORD – With the state’s Rebuild Illinois program in full swing, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is highlighting a commitment made by the state to grant $772,000 in funding for a shovel ready construction project in downtown Rockford on Thursday.

“The redevelopment of downtown Rockford benefits the entire region,” Stadelman said. “The project next to the new library uses prime riverfront property, with a mix of dining, retail and residential space that promises to appeal to a diverse crowd.”

The project, funded through the Shovel Ready Infrastructure Capital Program, is set to prepare an underutilized site located at 227 N. Wyman in Rockford for redevelopment, with project activities including architectural engineering, site preparation and improvement.

The grant will help support Bush construction, the company developing the six-story riverfront property next to the new downtown Rockford Public Library with space for a restaurant, retail shops, and apartment units.

"I'm excited this project is shovel-ready and now will be supported with Rebuild Illinois funds,” Stadelman said. “I look forward to the opening of the new library campus.”

The Shovel Ready Infrastructure Capital Program is part of Rebuild Illinois, the state’s 5-year statewide construction program. You can visit the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's website for updates on this and future Rebuild Illinois projects.