Stadelman calls state grant for downtown Rockford grocery 'strategic investment' in food-insecure neighborhood

State Senator Steve Stadelman this week praised a $165,491 state grant for a new downtown Rockford grocery store as a "strategic investment that helps a small business over the hump and brings fresh food to an underserved neighborhood."
City Center Market is one of four groceries statewide to receive funding under an Illinois Grocery Initiative program for local businesses making energy-efficient upgrades. The grocery store is planned for space adjacent to Downtown Discount Drugs on the street level of Nu-State Apartments, where 35 loft-style units are being renovated.
"A grocery store has long been considered a missing link in the rejuvenation of downtown Rockford," Stadelman said. "That need only increases as office space continues to be converted into residential use. State investment to help downtown Rockford redefine itself helps the entire region because economic growth doesn't occur in communities with stagnant or declining cores."

City Center Market is expected to sell fresh produce, craft beer and wine. Renovations also include the addition of a UPS Store in the combination grocer-pharmacy at the corner of West State and North Church streets.
Four other grants were announced today under the state's New Stores in Food Deserts program. Grants through the two Illinois Grocery Initiative programs provide funds to local governments and independent grocers opening new stores in food deserts or upgrading stores in food-insecure neighborhoods.

IDOT starts resurfacing U.S. 20 west of Rockford

Work began this week to resurface the 8-mile stretch of U.S. 20 from Pecatonica Road to Falconer Road west of Rockford. Flaggers will control daily lane closures that will continue until the project's completion in July.
Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area and be prepared for slow and stopped traffic, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. IDOT urges drivers to consider alternate routes and use caution in the work zones including that they refrain from speeding and using mobile devices.
Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,000 miles of highway and nearly 10 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Five of Rebuild Illinois include almost $16 billion in improvements statewide on 6,541 miles of highway, 686 bridges and 986 additional safety improvements.
For IDOT District 2 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict2 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

Deadline is June 1 for $400 million in state transportation grants: Stadelman

State Senator Steve Stadelman this week encouraged local governments to apply for $400 million is available for local transportation projects that enhance mobility and quality of life in communities across Illinois. The deadline to submit funding requests is June 1.
Grants through the Illinois Department of Transportation are open to units fo local goverment units that oversee transportation assets. Proposals that benefit disadvantaged or economically distressed communities will be given priority consideration. Successful projects will be chosen based on cost-effectiveness, feasibility and safety across multiple categories including highways, bike and pedestrian facilities, transit, passenger rail, freight, safety, federal grant matches or other relevant projects. Any phase of a project is eligible, including preliminary engineering in preparation for future funding opportunities. ? Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals are required. Local matching funds are not.
Applications must be submitted via Microsoft Forms. More information on the application process is available on grants.illinois.gov under CSFA 494-00-3626.
IDOT also will host a webinar on the program and application process at 10 a.m. May 22. To join by phone, dial (312) 535-8110 or (415) 655-0002 and key in meeting number 2865 182 1868, password jgHfuPHk735. The webinar also will be recorded for later viewing on grants.illinois.gov.

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