Stadelman: $2 million in state funding 'builds on momentum' in Rockford's downtown

State Senator Steve Stadelman hailed this week's award of $2 million for streetscape improvements on Madison Street in Rockford, saying the state funding "builds on the momentum that has transformed downtown Rockford over more than two decades." The grant is part of the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets program to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas and accelerate local economic initiatives across the state.
"The upgrades that will occur on Madison Street are another key piece in the steady evolution of downtown Rockford into a thriving entertainment, retail and residential district," Stadelman said. "The vitality of Rockford's downtown has a direct impact on the growth of the regional economy.

IDOT begins $3.9 million Springfield Avenue bridge replacement

The bridge that carries Springfield Avenue over the North Fork of Kent Creek in Rockford is scheduled to be closed until the end of November while the Illinois Department of Transportation works to replace the structure between Safford Road and Kilburn Avenue.
Access to Anna Page Park will remain open, but trails that run underneath Springfield Avenue will be closed. A posted detour will direct traffic to use Auburn Street, Central Avenue and Kilburn. View area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

More than $28,000 coming to Rockford, Belvidere for school libraries

Libraries in the Rockford and Belvidere school districts will receive more than $28,000 in state funding, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced this week.

Rockford's public schools are receiving $21,904. Belvidere schools are being given $6,302. The grants can pay for library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials and technology.

“When we invest in our libraries, we are investing in learning,” Stadelman said. “This funding helps school libraries stay up to date and accessibile.” 

Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student enrolled at each school with a qualified library. Funding for the Secretary of State’s School District Library Grant Program is appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly.

In case you missed me on Facebook ...

I enjoyed visiting Alpine Kiwanis this morning to update members on state-financed projects like the anticipated reopening of the Belvidere Assembly Plant and return of passenger rail between Rockford and Chicago. We discussed legislation I'm advancing, including a bill to protect seniors from financial scams, and I fielded questions on roads, taxes and public schools.

I hope the message here isn't too subtle: Make plans May 17 to visit The Parks Kiwanis Club for its 2025 Pork Chop Day! For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/869491115323169/