Floating boat docks funded through State Senator Steve Stadelman officially opened for public use today as Stadelman also announceed he has secured an additional $250,000 to build a multi-use path as part of his total financial commitment of $3.7 million toward redevelopment of Davis Park.

"The opening of the boat docks is the first step to transforming Davis Park into a vibrant gathering spot that capitalizes on the riverfront and its proximity to other public and private investments downtown, especially Embassy Suites," said Stadelman, who joined Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara for a dockside news conference and ribbon-cutting. "A strong downtown is essential to the economic growth of the entire Rockford region.”

Stadelman dedicated $450,000 of Rebuild Illinois capital funds to purchase and install the docks this year and another $3 million to the overall project. An additional $500,000 competitive state grant was awarded to pay for construction of a canopy stage and outdoor concert venue.

During the state's annual budgeting process, Stadelman secured another $250,000 for a multi-use path connecting the Rails-to-Trails bridge south of the park with a path under the Chestnut Street bridge that connects to the connects to the south end of the Rock River Path at the Whitman Street bridge. Total state investment in redeveloping Davis Park so far comes to $4.2 million.

The canopy stage and multi-use path are among elements of the project that are planned for 2024. Other aspects of the redevelopment include a pedestrian plaza, food truck court, native gardens, an urban beach and splashpad, skatepark and possibly an outdoor ice-skating attraction.

Conversion of the long-vacant Amerock industrial building into a luxury hotel was made possible in part by legislation Stadelman sponsored to offer tax credits for refurbishing historic property.

"All of these features enhance the downtown experience, improve the quality of life for residents and attract tourists who spend money that supports small businesses," Stadelman said. "I'm proud to be able to deliver a majority of the funding for this piece of the puzzle, and I will continue to work to rebuild our downtown."

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) released the following statement after the Illinois Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget and revenue plan that focuses on education and efforts to help struggling communities:

“This is the biggest investment Illinois has made toward higher education in the last twenty years. Illinois is investing $350 million to the school funding formula that helps increase resources to the Rockford, Harlem and Belvidere school districts.

“Illinois is making smart investments in paying back our debts while continuing to invest in social, educational and community programs. We have made significant contributions toward SMART Start Illinois and continuing Early Childhood Block Grants to increase preschool availability and access.

“This budget supports businesses and Illinois’ status as a business leader across the nation. By continuing our workforce training and development programs, Illinois is carving a path for the revitalization of communities as we attract new businesses and jobs to our state.

“Illinois is continuing to invest by extending and increasing the Historic Preservation Tax Credits that have helped Rockford and other communities around the state fix up old buildings and put them back on the tax roll.

“I am proud to support this budget and look forward to the work we can do for the residents of Rockford and those all across Illinois.”

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ROCKFORD –- At least 960 lead municipal water lines will be replaced with $4 million in Illinois Environmental Protection Agency funding, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced today.

Service lines are small pipes that carry drinking water from water mains into homes. Many homes built before 1990 have lead service lines, which can corrode over time and release lead into drinking water.

"Lead is a toxin that can accumulate in the body and cause serious illness or even death," Stadelman said. "This funding protects public water supplies and helps Rockford and other cities across the state replace these aging water pipes before IEPA deadlines kick in."

ROCKFORD - Libraries in Rockford, Loves Park, Cherry Valley and Belvidere will benefit from $379,097 in state funds to purchase books and new technology, hire staff and offer digital access to patrons.

Public Library Per Capita Grants made through the Illinois Secretary of State were announced Monday. Based on population served, Rockford Public Library will get $219,000 that Director Lynn Stainbrook said will allow patrons to choose from an expanded and updated collection of reading materials.

"Without the support of the Secretary of State and State Legislature, our ability to buy new children's books, to update our nonfiction collection with accurate health, legal, business, even geographic information -- and to provide for the latest bestsellers -- would be greatly hampered."