Stadelman predicts 'amazing synergy' with Davis Park redesign
$6.5 million in state funding helps set stage for groundbreaking
State Senator Steve Stadelman touted the $15.5 million redevelopment of Davis Park as a strategic leveraging that combined with the adjacent and Embassy Suites hotel and the coming return of passenger rail would boost economic growth regionally.
"Envision what this place is going to in two short years," Stadelman said during a riverfront groundbreaking ceremony. "The synergy that's going to be created is going to be amazing."
Stadelman secured $6.5 million in state funding for the project will include an outdoor concert stage with lawn seating, skate park, playground, walking paths and three large-scale sculptures -- along with boat docks installed last year using Stadelman-awarded state money.
The park buildout is scheduled to wrap by June of 2026 in time for Rockford to host the IRONMAN triathlon for a second year. Train service between downtown Rockford and Chicago, with a stop in Belvidere, is expected to being in 2027. Stadelman also secured the $275 million to pay for planning, track upgrades and depot construction.
"Think about City Market and how popular that's become on Friday night. That's drawing people from all over," Stadelman said. "Whatever we do to make sure downtown is a thriving hub of people and activity, the entire northern Illinois area is going to greatly benefit."
$127 million coming in 2026 for local transportation projects
State Senator Steve Stadelman announced this week that $127 million in state funds will build and repair roads, bridges and sidewalks in the Rockford area next year.
It’s part of the largest multi-year infrastructure program in state history. The continuation of the Rebuild Illinois program will fund $50.6 billion in projects statewide over six years.
“Investing in our public infrastructure not only improves quality of life but also encourages economic growth,” Stadelman said. “From passenger rail and airports to highways to bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, Illinois is upgrading its transportation systems across the board and across the state.”
Projects slated for 2026 in Stadelman's legislative district include:
- $17.9 million to replace the US 20 / Harrison Ave. bridge over the Kishwaukee River near Mill Road in Cherry Valley
- $17 million to replace the 15th Ave. bridge in Rockford
- $26.7 million to reconstruct US 20 from Wheeler Road to Ipsen Road in Belvidere
- $1.3 million to make ADA improvements and modernize traffic signals along US 20 / East State Street from Fairview Blvd. to Rockford College Dr. in Rockford
- $6 million to resurface IL 251 / N 2nd St. from Snow Ave. in Loves Park to Whitman St. in Rockford along with a section of Forest Hills Road between Landstrom Road and IL 251 in Rockford
- $2 million to resurface and modernize traffic signals on Springfield Ave and West Riverside Blvd. from Auburn St. to Central Ave in Rockford
A full list of projects in the 34th District is available online.
Built in 1933, the 15th Avenue Bridge in Rockford is nearing the end of its safe lifespan
State names RFD 'airport of the year'
Chicago Rockford International Airport was named the 2025 Primary Airport of the Year this week by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics.
“Our airports connect us to the world, one of the many reasons why Illinois is the transportation hub of North America,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi said in Galena, where five other awards were giveing, including Reliever Airport to Lansing and Heliport of the Year to the Quad Cities. “These awards highlight their efforts as well as those of the entire Illinois aviation community.”
Winners were selected on accomplishments including partnership with IDOT, safety, facility maintenance and customer satisfaction. Illinois is home to almost 100 public airports and heliports, with nearly 3,000 aircraft registered with the Federal Aviation Administration. The state's aviation system supports more than 492,000 jobs, a combined payroll of $21.9 billion and total economic impact of $95.4 billion.
"RFD deserves to be recognized for its incredible growth in recent years," State Senator Steve Stadelman said, "and I'm proud to have been part of that growth by delivering millions of dollars in state resourses for infrastructure and job training to support the airport's expansion.
YWCA wins $104,000 state literacy grant: Stadelman
State Senator Steve Stadelman announced this week that the YWCA of Northwestern Illinois will receive $104,000 in state funding to enhance the services provided by their literacy programs.
“Adults across six counties depend on the YWCA to improve their reading, writing and technology skills -- and Illinois government should help the YWCA in this important work," Stadelman said of the grant being awarded through the Illinois Secretary of State's Office." Literacy is a lifelong invaluable skill that has the power to remove cultural and social barriers.”
Through its volunteer-driven Literacy Council, the YWCA provides classes and tutoring to build English language comprehension and English as a second language skills. Classes are open at no cost to all Rockford-area adults not enrolled in school.
In case you missed me on Facebook ...
Steve Stadelman
October 3 at 3:25 PM
The first phase of a full reconstruction of South Alpine Road is under way as the Illinois Department of Transportation and City of Rockford seek public input on the 2.5 mile joint project. Visit https://www.reimaginealpineroad.org/ReimagineAlpineRoad.org to learn more and offer your opinion. If you comment online by Oct. 15, you be included in the feedback from people who attended a public meeting in Rockford this week. More than $7 million in state funds are slated for Phase 1 engineering and land acquisition.
Steve Stadelman
October 1 at 1:30 PM
Thank you to Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity for inviting me to participate in its 2025 Elected Officials Build Day at Emerson Estates on Rockford's west side. I swung a hammer alongside my colleague in the Illinois General Assembly, Maurice A. West II, and Rockford School Board members Tiana Joy and June Carolyn Stanford.
Tanner Elliott
Thanks for helping and supporting Habitat! Leading by example.
Steve Stadelman is in Belvidere.
September 29 at 11:11 PM
Congrats to Rock River Valley Blood Center on the reopening of its Belvidere facility!
Steve Stadelman is in Loves Park.
September 29 at 10:26 AM
I had the honor this weekend of presenting a congratulatory letter for the governor to Carl Cole for his four decades of work with SOGN "YES" Club during its annual "Fall Up" musical celebration that also featured readings by Mark Turcotte, Illinois' sixth poet laureate.
The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties
The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties
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