Belvidere wins $1.5 million to replace contaminated water wells: Stadelman

State Senator Steve Stadelman announced today that nearly $1.5 million in state funds will help pay for a new public water well and well house in Belvidere, replacing two wells with contaminated drinking water.

Testing at Municipal Wells 3 and 4 in Belvidere showed perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) levels that exceeded Illinois Environmental Protection Agency standards, prompting a recommendation to decommission both.

"Safe drinking water is a basic human necessity," Stadelman said, "so it's important for the state to help local governments replace deteriorating and failing public water systems. Having to drill a new well was an unplanned expense for Belvidere, and this state contribution should help offset any rate increase that might stem from the project."

Through its State Revolving Fund, the IEPA provides low-interest loans that fund wastewater, stormwater and drinking water projects. Loans are forgiven for recipients that qualify for either the Small Community Rate or Hardship Rate.

Belvidere's award of $1,478,842 qualified as 100-percent forgivable and won't need to be repaid.


Stadelman announces state grants for local manufacturers

Two businesses in the 34th Senate District have been awarded grants through the Made in Illinois Grant Program, Senator Steve Stadelman announced this week. Curtis Thermal Processing in Machesney Park and Ro-Pal Grinding Inc. in Rockford each received $47,420.

“This funding will not only boost the operational capabilities for manufacturers, but also set a precedent for innovation and sustainability in manufacturing practices,” Stadelman said. "Equipping local manufacturers with resources they need to thrive in a competitive global market boosts the local economy.”

Made in Illinois provides grants of up to $50,000. Forty recipients were awarded a total of $1.7 million statewide. Part of the Illlinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the program also offers manufacturers access to resources and expertise focused on productivity, cost-effective innovation, quality improvement, market leadership and more. 


State offers $17.7 million to replace diesel with electric school buses

Eligible school districts can apply for funding to replace existing diesel school buses with all-electric buses through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Applications will be accepted until funds run out, and Winnebago County is one of three priority areas statewide. Click on the image below to learn more:


In case you missed me on Facebook ...

Steve Stadelman
May 6 at 4:59 PM

Congratulations to UIC College of Pharmacy at Rockford which celebrated its 10th Anniversary this past weekend!


Steve Stadelman
May 8 at 5:25 PM

Always great see the Rockford Park District at the Capitol! It's an opportunity to let other lawmakers know about all the fantastic projects and programs taking place in our community!


Steve Stadelman
May 5 at 10:00 PM

The Rockford area celebrates Cinco de Mayo with music, food and car shows! Screw City Jeeps 815 hosted an event next to Don Carter Lanes. And thanks to Manuel Salgado for putting on another great event Cinco De Rockford IL at Mulford and E. State.