Rock Island Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) released the following statement after submitting 15 Community Project Funding requests for consideration in the FY 2024 budget. 

"I'm pleased to announce that my office requested funding for 15 local projects in next year’s budget," said Congressman Sorensen. "Funding for these projects will support local law enforcement, provide our neighbors with clean drinking water, improve traffic safety, increase home ownership, and continue to make Central and Northwest Illinois sustainable for generations to come. I will continue to work so that my neighbors have a seat at the table when it comes to critical funding decisions.”

The Community Project Funding process allows members of Congress to secure funds for critical initiatives in their communities. The 15 requests made by the Office of Congressman Sorensen are as follows, in no particular order: 

Winnebago County Regional Police Training Center 

Amount requested: $846,910 

To strengthen local police training and retention, and to better connect officers with the communities they serve, my office is requesting $1.5 million to purchase new real-world training equipment for Winnebago County Regional Police Training Center. This equipment will improve police community-relations by preparing officers for more scenarios they will encounter on duty. 

“This funding will allow Winnebago County to operate a state-of-the-art police training facility that is unmatched in our region,” said Winnebago County Board Chairman Joseph Chiarelli. “Investing in the quality training of our law enforcement will not only strengthen retention, but attract new recruits. Providing this scenario-based education will result in properly trained officers who are well-equipped to serve and protect our community.” 

 

Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP)/Upper Mississippi River – Illinois Waterway System 

Amount requested: $120,000,000 

This transformational project would help Illinois agricultural goods get to market faster and bolster Northwestern Illinois’ economy by constructing 1,200-foot locks at locks 20-25 on the Mississippi River and locks in Peoria and LaGrange on the Illinois River. Increased navigational efficiency will help Illinois and other river basin states remain competitive. 

“The full funding of the NESP program is a game changer for Illinois farmers. Ensuring reliable and efficient operation of 1200 foot lock chambers on the Illinois and Mississippi rivers decreases the cost to transport ag products allowing for Illinois farmers to have stronger markets for their crop,” said Illinois Soybean Association Director of Government Relations Andrew Larsen. “Over 60% of Illinois soybeans are exported annually and the modernization of the inland waterways system in partnership with sustainable ecosystems in the NESP program position Illinois as a leader feeding the world.”

 

8th Street Bridge Replacement 

Amount requested: $1,000,000 

The replacement of 8th Avenue Bridge over Keith Creek in Rockford would reconnect a severely disadvantaged community to its elementary school and re-establish reliable water service, improving overall quality of life for residents. Funding would be used to replace the bridge, address the relocation of a residence out of a floodplain, upgrade a 100+-year-old water main, and relocate an environmentally problematic sanitary sewer structure. 

“Bridges are a critical connector between our residents and essential resources,” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “Since I took office in 2017, I have worked on repairing and replacing many of the aging bridges in our community. I am thankful to Representative Sorensen for helping us to continue that effort by requesting $1 million for the replacement of the 8th Avenue bridge. This project will not only improve the bridge, but also upgrade century old water mains, remove toxic lead service lines, and safely reconnect children to their neighborhood elementary school.”

 

Central Illinois Regional Airport Air Cargo Road Construction 

Amount requested: $4,500,000 

This funding would be used to design and pave intersections and roadways, including site grading and a storm water mitigation component. This project would drastically improve safety on the airport’s terminal only entrance roadway and improve operation efficiencies for air cargo and distribution companies, while enhancing retention and growth for these important jobs. 

“We are very grateful to Congressman Sorensen for supporting and advancing our funding request to extend Airport Road into the Central Illinois Regional Airport,” said Chairman of the Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority Alan Sender. “Building this air cargo road will support FedEx, currently the largest employer at the airport, and pave the way for expanded air cargo operations, potentially bringing additional jobs. The new road will also help separate large tractor trailer and truck traffic from passenger vehicles coming into the terminal area, addressing a traffic concern, and enhancing traffic safety at the airport." 

 

City of Lanark Water Main Replacement Project 

Amount requested: $2,000,000 

This funding will be used for repairing the city’s water mains, which have experienced an inordinate number of breaks and incidents of low-pressure. This funding is important because current water infrastructure is not suitable to provide water adequately and reliably to residents and businesses. 

“The City of Lanark and our City Engineer, Fehr Graham, are elated to have been selected by Congressman Sorensen for this important and significant Community Project funding,” said City of Lanark Mayor Ken Viglietta. “This $2M of project funding will allow the City of Lanark to perform much needed water main replacement in our community that will improve the quality of water and life for our residents and businesses.”

 

City of Peoria Affordable Single-Family Housing 

Amount requested: $500,000 

Increasing homeownership builds generation wealth for residents, works to stabilize neighborhoods, and lays groundwork for future community growth. To help increase homeownership in Peoria, I’m requesting this funding to construct new affordable single-family homes in the 61605 ZIP code. 

“We appreciate all the work Congressman Sorensen is doing at the federal level to provide critical and much-needed funding to local governments,” said Peoria Mayor Dr. Rita Ali. “Continued investment by the City of Peoria and the federal government helps to improve the economic outcomes of our residents. The Congressionally Directed Spending Request will help the City continue to focus on expanding housing opportunities for community members in Peoria specifically in the 61605 zip code.”

 

City of Rock Island 35th Street West & RI Parkway Intersection 

Amount requested: $3,000,000 

This requested funding will give the city of Rock Island the funding it needs to reconstruct the 35th Street West & RI Parkway Intersection using a modern complete street re-design. The reconstruction would improve motorist and pedestrian safety in the area. 

“The City of Rock Island Public Works Department submitted a funding request for the reconstruction of 35th Street West and Centennial Expressway intersection to Representative Eric Sorensen's office to be considered for possible funding in FY2024,” said City of Rock Island Director of Public Works Michael Bartels. “The project would consist of eliminating the traffic signals at the 35th Street West intersection and modernizing the intersection with a roundabout and complete street redesign.  This phase would begin the first steps in implementing a road diet for the Centennial expressway and reducing four lanes of highway down to two lanes each way with a bi-directional turn lane in the middle, east and west of the 35th Street intersection. The project would also include a pedestrian walk and bike lane that will connect residents to Mel McKay Park, the Southwest Library and eventually Ridgewood Elementary School. The City of Rock Island is very appreciative and honored to be considered for funding as part of Representative Sorensen's Appropriation Bill.”

 

Freeport Well and Well House 12 Improvement Project 

Amount requested: $4,000,000 

Funding for this project would be used to dig a new Well No. 11 And Well No. 12 in Freeport to replace existing contaminated wells which had to be removed from use which caused a 35 percent reduction in the city’s filtered water supply. This project would bring the community’s filtered water supply back to its original levels, better supporting the community’s clean water needs. 

“The funding for this project will allow the City of Freeport to construct Well #12, which will significantly reduce the city’s over-reliance on source water that is contaminated with PFOS and PFOAS (forever chemicals),” said Freeport City Manager Randy Bukas. “Once in production, Freeport citizens will have access to high-quality, uncontaminated water, and the city will be able to advance the process of decommissioning contaminated source water production wells.”

 

Lead Service Lines Replacement (Monmouth) 

Amount requested: $2,000,000 

This funding would be used for replacing lead service lines within the community of Monmouth to meet updated Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. In doing so, this project would allow the city to achieve more equitable drinking water access. 

“The City of Monmouth is very grateful to Congressman Sorensen for including a $2 million request for federal funds in this year's appropriation bill to financially assist the residents of Monmouth to replace lead water service lines into their homes,” said Monmouth City Administrator Lew Steinbrecher. “This is a major nationwide priority and an extensive financial burden to all water users in the Monmouth community. The support of Congressman Sorensen will significantly improve the lives of many Monmouth families and households that would otherwise face great hardship in replacing these old lead water lines everywhere throughout town.”

 

Town of Normal Street Upgrades 

Amount requested: $3,000,000 

To create safer conditions for drivers and pedestrians around an elementary school, a regional shopping district, and a key employment corridor, this funding would be used to impose a road diet on Vernon Avenue. The project would provide safer, multimodal access from a low-mod Census Tract. 

“The Town of Normal appreciates Congressman Sorensen’s support of our efforts to create safer conditions for both drivers and pedestrians in our community,” said Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos. “Never is this more important than around schools.” 

 

Locust Colton Sewer Separation Project 

Amount requested: $2,000,000 

This funding would be used for the construction of new sanitary sewers and water mains and the separation of combined existing sewers into new systems, eliminating capacity issues for the area. This project would minimize future overflows, sewer backups, and flooding, both in homes and public bodies of water during heavy rain events. 

“As a City, we understand that the Locust Colton Sewer Separation Project is vital to our community,” said Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe. “Improving the overall performance and efficiency of the system is a priority for us and this major investment in Bloomington’s infrastructure will ensure the system is safe and reliable for years to come. We are thankful that Representative Sorensen saw how important our project is and included it with the other community plans moving forward through the appropriations process. His recognition confirms our project is viable, cost-effective, and aligned with the needs of our residents.” 

 

Moline Lead Service Lines Replacement 

Amount requested: $500,000 

To meet updated EPA requirements for drinking water infrastructure, this project would replace an estimated 70 lead service lines on 15th Street between 16th Avenue and 20th Avenue in Moline. This funding would contribute to ensuring Moline residents have access to clean, safe drinking water. 

“Like many Midwestern communities, Moline has many lead water service lines,” said City of Moline Director of Utilities Tony Loete. “Safe drinking water is a pillar of our society and Moline stands ready to remove lead water piping. Congress has appropriately acknowledged the importance of lead service line replacements through their actions to adopt the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act. Representative Sorensen’s efforts to secure funds for the city of Moline for this project are to be commended.”

 

Peoria Qualified Census Tract Sidewalk Upgrades 

Amount requested: $2,000,000 

The project would upgrade and replace sidewalks in Peoria. In this way, the funding would support walkability in lower income areas where many residents rely on a combination of walking and public transit. 

“We would like to express our appreciation to Congressman Sorenson for including the improvements to Peoria’s sidewalks located in Qualified Census Tracts in his list of requests,” said City of Peoria Mayor Dr. Rita Ali. “While the City continues to make substantial investments to improve our infrastructure, more funding is needed.  Investing in sidewalks supports walkability, increases safety, vibrancy, and accessibility, and builds community connectivity. Upgrading sidewalks in our neighborhoods will provide our neighbors with a safe place to walk instead of using roadways. This investment is of great importance to our community members who rely on a combination of walking and public transit.”

 

Route 29 (Galena Road) Water Main Replacement Project 

Amount requested: $1,947,200 

This project would replace critical water infrastructure, supporting ongoing federal, state, and local efforts to protect public health by providing safe drinking water and promoting equity between two sections of the community separated by the Illinois River bluffs. 

"We in Peoria Heights are thrilled to make Congressman Sorensen's priority list for fiscal year 2024 federal financial assistance as we try to address critical infrastructure needs in our small community,” said Peoria Heights Mayor, Michael Phelan. “First, the more than $1.9 million we are requesting in federal help for a water system project in one of the oldest areas of town is much needed to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for our residents. Those dollars also will help us meet the ongoing challenge of providing fair and equitable treatment in the delivery of fundamental services to our citizens no matter the neighborhood in which they reside. That Congressman Sorensen recognizes those dual needs in this corner of his 17th Congressional District speaks well of him, and we are grateful for any assistance that he can provide.”

 

Storm Water Improvement, Uptown Normal Central Business District 

Amount requested: $2,000,000 

This funding would install updated storm systems in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. The $2 million project would reduce the negative impacts of flooding on local businesses and assist the Town of Normal in maintaining the economic vitality of the Uptown central business district. 

“On behalf of the Town of Normal, I thank Congressman Sorensen for moving this request forward,” said Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos. “Updating stormwater drainage in the Town’s central business district will protect Uptown Normal from the increasing frequency of heavy rains and other extreme weather events. The entire community, including Uptown businesses and patrons, Amtrak and bus riders and Illinois State University students, will benefit from these improvements.” 

Congressman Eric Sorensen is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to represent Illinois at the federal level and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal. 

Original source can be found here.