With the Rebuild Illinois program in full swing, State Senator Steve Stadelman this week applauded $772,000 in state funding toward a mixed-used riverfront construction project in downtown Rockford.
The state is awarding the Shovel-Ready Infrastructure grant to the Bush Construction to build a six-story apartment building with ground-level shopping and a restaurant at 227 N. Wyman St., adjacent to the new Rockford Public Library headquarters.
“The redevelopment of downtown Rockford benefits the entire region,” Stadelman said. “This project is a smart use prime riverfront property because its mix of dining, retail and residential space promises to appeal to a diverse crowd.”
When it opens in 2022, the development will become the first new residential project in downtown Rockford in nearly 50 years.
"I'm excited this project is shovel-ready and now will be supported with Rebuild Illinois funds,” Stadelman said. “I look forward to the opening of the new library campus.”
State Senator Steve Stadelman is recommending local business owners to take advantage of changes in the federal Paycheck Protection Program, meant to make the COVID-19 relief more accessible to smaller businesses.
“The PPP program has been able to help keep many Rockford businesses afloat during these unprecedented times,” Stadelman said. “If you’re a sole proprietor or an independent contractor who did not qualify prior to these changes, I encourage you to check again.”
A change in the loan calculation formula makes it easier for sole proprietors, independent contractors and the self-employed to qualify for relief. In addition, student loan debt and prior incarceration will no longer prevent small business owners from obtaining assitance.
“If you have a business with fewer than 20 employees, you should apply as soon as possible,” Stadelman said. “The special window for these businesses to apply is only two weeks, so now is the time.”
The application period for businesses with fewer than 20 employees opened Feb. 24. More information about the PPP program, including how to apply, is available on the Small Business Administration’s website.
In case you missed me on Facebook ...
Steve Stadelman
February 23 at 1:02 PM ·
This community COVID-19 vaccination site at the former Kmart on Sandy Hollow Road will help the state reach area residents as quickly and efficiently as possible. As the supply of vaccines continues to increase, so will our ability to combat this deadly virus. If you're eligible for the vaccine, you can register here: https://winnebagohealth.qualtrics.com/.../SV_9tVVc8oG1EFpL4V or call the COVID hotline at 815-319-6705.
