BELVIDERE – State Senator Steve Stadelman applauded today's announcement of $334 million in federal funding for the Stellantis assembly plant as another example of the multi-level leadership that's saving local automaking jobs and strengthening Illinois' clean energy economy.

"Belvidere's assembly plant, which has been a driving force in the regional economy for decades, will not only reopen but will expand because of the cooperation of state, federal and local officials and labor leaders," Stadelman said. "The historic state incentive package I sponsored and passed provided a foundation that more than rescued the idled production facility. The manufacture of electric vehicles along with a battery plant and parts distribution center will make Belvidere an EV hub and bring more jobs to support families in Boone and Winnebago Counties."

Stadelman passed the Reimaging Energy and Vehicles Act that offered tax credits and other incentives for electric vehicle production in Illinois. Today's announcement involves a $334 million grant through the U.S. Department of Energy's Domestic Manufacturing Conversion program to encourage widespread adoption of zero-emission vehicles.