ROCKFORD – To promote economic welfare and ensure area residents are continuously able to bounce back from the pandemic, Rockford will see over $290,000 in relief grants thanks to the support of State Senator Steve Stadelman.  

Through the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) program, Rockford will see grants to help local governments and economic development organizations create or update economic plans to promote economic recovery.

“Funding our local government bodies allows them to continue to support families and businesses around the community,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “These grant funds help develop and implement plans to address the pandemic’s impact on our communities and provide meaningful steps forward for families and businesses alike.”

The Region 1 Joint Planning Commission will receive $148,916 and the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau will receive $150,000 to promote and spur economic growth within the community through RISE Grants.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman was appointed to the High-Speed Railway Commission to assist in the creation of a statewide plan for high-speed rail and feeder networks across Illinois.

“I am honored to be appointed to the High-Speed Railway Commission and continue to push for better, safer railways throughout the state,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford) “This commission is responsible for coming up with a solid plan for high-speed rail in our state and I look forward to working with my fellow commission members to help Illinois move forward with plans that can help our communities thrive.”

The High-Speed Railway Commission is responsible for creating a statewide plan for a high-speed rail line and feeder network connecting St. Louis and Chicago that includes current existing Amtrak and Metra services, connects the cities of Rockford, Moline, Peoria, and Decatur, and uses inter-city bus service to coordinate with the rail line.

ROCKFORD – The Harlem Hills Nature Preserve has received a grant to support stewardship and enhance natural green spaces thanks to State Senator Steve Stadelman.

“This is a direct investment into our community that will make it a more vibrant place to live,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford).

The goal of the Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship grant program is to increase the delivery of much needed stewardship activities to natural areas permanently protected by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Stewardship needs at natural areas throughout Illinois have continued to outpace the ability to deliver these services by individuals, volunteers, organizations and government agencies. The grant program is designed to fund projects that address this deficiency through grants that will expand their staff and equipment for these activities.

ROCKFORD – Making low emission and hybrid vehicles the priority for the state’s transportation systems, State Senator Steve Stadelman is announcing the Rockford Mass Transit District will receive approximately $6.3 million dollars for new electric busses.

“Relying on fossil fuels for all our needs is becoming a thing of the past, and we want to take a stance for the future through transportation needs that fit our economy and show that we are dedicated to take the steps to reducing our negative impact on the planet,” said Stadelman (D-Chicago).

The Federal Transit Administration FY22 Low- and N-Emission Bus and Bus Facilities programs will provide $1.66 billion in grants to transit agencies to invest in bus fleets and facilities. Funded projects will use zero-emissions technology, which reduces air pollution and helps meet net-zero emissions by 2050.