FY27 Community Project Funding Requests
Congressman Sorensen has submitted the following funding requests for important community projects in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District to the House Appropriations Committee.
Under guidelines issues by the Appropriations Committee, each U.S. Representative may request funding for up to 20 projects in their community for Fiscal Year 2027 – although only a handful may be actually funded. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding. Additional information on guidelines related to Community Project Funding is available here.
In compliance with House Rules and Committee requirements, Congressman Sorensen has certified that he and his immediate family have no financial interest in any of the projects he has requested.
Project Title: Peoria County Jail Improvements
Receiving Entity: County of Peoria, Illinois
Address of Receiving Entity: 324 Main Street Peoria, IL 61602
Amount Requested: $2,500,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: This project will provide for the replacement of the Peoria County Jail kitchen and laundry facilities, including life-cycle upgrades to bring these critical operations into compliance with safety and food codes and support secure jail operations in Peoria County, IL.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: Bio-Chemistry Equipment for the Launch of Illinois State University’s STEM Laboratory Facility
Receiving Entity: Illinois State University
Address of Receiving Entity: 100 N University Street, Normal, IL 61761
Amount Requested: $950,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: Funding would be used for the new Illinois State University STEM building which will feature two large classrooms, and modern, flexible teaching laboratories. The STEM building will provide teaching space for thousands of new students each year. Key instruments include biological safety cabinets (Class I/II/III) for safe handling of biohazardous materials; laminar flow clean benches for sterile work; autoclaves and glassware washers with proper water, steam, and drainage connections; incubators and refrigeration units, including CO₂, shaking, and ultra-low freezers; centrifuges with vibration isolation; advanced microscopes, etc.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: Western Illinois Office of Public Safety Security Technology and Equipment
Receiving Entity: Western Illinois University
Address of Receiving Entity: 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455
Amount Requested: $1,100,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: This project will strengthen Western Illinois University’s public safety infrastructure by upgrading critical security technology, equipment, and staffing. These investments enhance emergency response capacity and improve safety for both the WIU campus, Macomb, and McDonough County.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: Village of Albany Wastewater Treatment Facility
Receiving Entity: Village of Albany, Illinois
Address of Receiving Entity: 102 S Main Street, Albany, IL 61230
Amount Requested: $3,195,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: Funding would support the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility in the Village of Albany, Illinois that will replace failing infrastructure and incorporate updated process controls, automated monitoring, and safety systems. These upgrades will improve operation efficiency, protect staff, and ensure consistent regulatory compliance. The existing facility, which was constructed in 1961 and expanded in 1981, has surpassed its intended design life and exhibits widespread structural and mechanical deterioration. The existing facility has many critical components that now show advanced corrosion, leaks, and compromised structural integrity.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: Silvis 1st Ave Critical Water and Sewer Main and Roadway
Receiving Entity: City of Silvis
Address of Receiving Entity: 121 11th St., Silvis, IL 61282
Amount Requested: $6,637,500
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: Funding would replace a failing water main installed in 1912 while the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reconstructs the 1st Avenue corridor. The existing 112-year-old water main has exceeded its design life and is highly vulnerable to failure, particularly during heavy construction vibration and long term traffic loading.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: Village of South Pekin Sanitary and Water Improvements
Receiving Entity: Village of South Pekin, Illinois
Address of Receiving Entity: 209 W. Main St., South Pekin, IL 61554
Amount Requested: $1,875,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: Funding would replace the lagoon's liner, aerators, a lift station, and provide a fresh coat of paint for a water tower. These improvements will protect the integrity of the water distribution system ensuring quality water for nearby households and businesses.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: Maquon Water Tower Repairs
Receiving Entity: Village of Maquon, Illinois
Address of Receiving Entity: 111 West 4th Street, PO Box 109, Maquon, IL 61458
Amount Requested: $353,163
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: Funding would be used to repair and restore life and longevity to their water tower. The Village has had multiple tower inspections over the last several years, including one in late-2025. The inspection showed several critical and non-critical deficiencies, OSHA concerns, and needed preventive measures. Some of the major items would be to pressure wash the exterior of tower, apply an epoxy liner; replace the exterior ladder; raise the existing handrail system to compliance; install a water mixing system or refurbish existing aerator; amongst many other needed items.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: Mount Carroll Fire Station Construction Project
Receiving Entity: Mount Carroll Fire Protection District
Address of Receiving Entity: 318 S. Clay Street, Mount Carroll, IL 61053
Amount Requested: $1,500,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: The Mount Carroll Fire Protection District is seeking funding to construct a new fire station to replace its obsolete and inadequate facility. The current station no longer meets modern fire service standards and requires daily workarounds that compromise firefighter safety, operational efficiency, and emergency response. The building has reached the end of its useful life, and further investment would not resolve its fundamental structural and functional deficiencies. It cannot meet current standards for firefighter health, safety, training, or readiness, posing risks to both personnel and the community. Limited space and site constraints hinder the proper storage and maintenance of critical apparatus and prevent expansion to meet evolving service needs. A new facility is essential to ensure safe operations, protect public investments in emergency equipment, and provide reliable emergency services to the region.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) for the Upper Mississippi River System
Receiving Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Address of Receiving Entity: 1500 Rock Island Drive, Rock Island, Illinois, 61204
Amount Requested: $350,000,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: Funding would be used for a long-term, multi-purpose program for the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS), comprised of the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway (UMR-IWW). NESP consists of navigation improvements and aquatic ecosystem restoration with the primary goal of ensuring the economic and environmental sustainability of the UMRS.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: City of Bloomington Gridley Sewer Separation
Receiving Entity: City of Bloomington, Illinois
Address of Receiving Entity: 115 E. Washington St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: Funding will permanently separate a large-diameter combined sewer, which currently carries both stormwater and raw sanitary sewage through a shared pipe, into independent stormwater and sanitary systems at the lowest point of the downtown Bloomington watershed, eliminating the pathway through which sewage-contaminated floodwater reaches residential basements and streets during heavy rain events.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: Town of Normal Drainage Improvements
Receiving Entity: Town of Normal, Illinois
Address of Receiving Entity: 11 Uptown Circle, Normal, IL 61761
Amount Requested: $1,600,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: The Town of Normal will improve flood mitigation infrastructure in Uptown along West Beaufort Street, particularly at the low-lying intersections with Broadway and Fell Avenues, protecting nearby buildings and critical areas. This project will reduce growing flood risks that threaten local businesses, two hotels, and more than 2,200 Illinois State University students living in Watterson Towers, helping prevent disruptions to students, tourism, and the local economy.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: Village of Winnebago New Well
Receiving Entity: Village of Winnebago, Illinois
Address of Receiving Entity: 108 W. Main Street, Winnebago, IL 61088
Amount Requested: $1,000,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: The Village of Winnebago is experiencing problems with its water distribution system. A new production well is needed to support the Village’s customer base and water supply. This vital infrastructure project will improve the Village’s water distribution capabilities and eliminate any health and safety threats that could be posed to the Village’s residents.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: Keith Creek Greenway Improvements
Receiving Entity: City of Rockford
Address of Receiving Entity: 425 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61104
Amount Requested: $3,250,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: This project will widen the Keith Creek channel to reduce stormwater-related threats to safety, property, and public health, helping the long-established Keith Creek neighborhood adapt to increasingly intense storms and rainfall. Identified through comprehensive citywide stormwater master planning as one of the highest cost-benefit investments, the $4.0 million project is expected to significantly reduce flooding impacts to key arterial, collector, and local roadways, as well as approximately 220 structures within the floodplain.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: Freeport Albertus Airport Infrastructure Expansion
Receiving Entity: City of Freeport, Illinois
Address of Receiving Entity: 314 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport, IL 61032
Amount Requested: $4,500,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: With this project, the City will extend City water and sanitary sewer services to the airport as a critical investment that will support and attract commercial aviation activities and related business development at this regional asset. Currently, the lack of these essential utilities has significantly constrained growth, limiting the airport’s ability to meet fundamental operational needs.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: Peoria Main Street Complete Streets
Receiving Entity: City of Peoria, Illinois
Address of Receiving Entity: 419 Fulton Street, Peoria, Illinois
Amount Requested: $3,000,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: This funding will be used for the City of Peoria to transform a key downtown corridor into a safer and more accessible street that serves all users, including pedestrians, car drivers, transit riders, residents, and visitors. This funding will help develop a more viable urban community through updated, extensive streetscaping. The project will improve the Main Street roadway design, local pedestrian infrastructure, and more business- and commercial-friendly Main Street.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: Macomb Candy Lane Improvements
Receiving Entity: City of Macomb, Illinois
Address of Receiving Entity: 232 E Jackson St, Macomb, Illinois 61455
Amount Requested: $1,325,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: This funding will be used to reconstruct and rehabilitate approximately 0.75 miles of Candy Lane, construct approximately 0.68 miles of ADA-compliant multi-use path, upgrade curb ramps, and construct modern culverts and storm sewer systems designed to prevent roadway overtopping during frequent storm events. These improvements will reduce crash risk, provide safe pedestrian access for students and seniors, improve travel reliability, and protect nearby properties from flooding.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: BMI Airport Terminal Passenger Boarding Bridges Replacement
Receiving Entity: Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal (CIRA)
Address of Receiving Entity: 3201 CIRA DR, Suite 200, Bloomington, IL 61704
Amount Requested: $2,574,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: This funding will be used for the Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal (CIRA) to replace an outdated/out of service passenger boarding bridge at Gate 4 and extend the reach of an existing bridge unit at Gate 3. Currently the airport has no available airline gate space to accommodate added service or a new entrant airline. By completing this project, the airport will immediately increase airline gate capacity by 20%. Additionally, completing this project will ensure unlimited accessibility/convenience for the airport's ADA travelers using these airline gates serving large aircraft with their much higher door threshold heights.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: East Moline Fire Department Quint Apparatus Replacement
Receiving Entity: City of East Moline, Illinois
Address of Receiving Entity: 912 16th Avenue, East Moline, Illinois 61265
Amount Requested: $1,500,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: This funding will purchase a new Quint fire apparatus for the East Moline Fire Department, replacing aging equipment and significantly improving its ability to respond to fires, rescues, and other emergencies across the community. The investment will enhance firefighter safety, ensure reliable aerial capabilities for East Moline’s diverse built environment, and strengthen overall emergency preparedness and protection of life and property.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: Galesburg Fleet Maintenance Facility
Receiving Entity: City of Galesburg, Illinois
Address of Receiving Entity: 55 W. Tompkin St., Galesburg, Illinois, 61401
Amount Requested: $3,458,720
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: The City of Galesburg seeks federal support to construct a modern fleet maintenance facility that will support the maintenance and repair of police, fire, and public works vehicles, as well as heavy equipment essential to municipal operations. The City’s current maintenance facility cannot accommodate large emergency vehicles or heavy equipment, forcing the City to outsource repairs, resulting in higher costs and extended equipment downtime.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter
Project Title: Bartonville Allied Mills Demolition for Public Safety
Receiving Entity: Village of Bartonville
Address of Receiving Entity: 5912 S Adams St., Bartonville, Illinois, 61607
Amount Requested: $3,000,000
Explanation of request & why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: Funding will support the demolition of an asbestos ridden Allied Mills, a dilapidated and unsafe building owned by the village. The existing building is very close to a major highway--US 24 and presents a real safety concern if the building were to further deteriorate and collapse on its own. As it continues to deteriorate, debris can fall into oncoming traffic, putting drivers in potential risk. There are also silos adjacent to building to allow demo to occur without obstructing US 24. US 24 is a high traffic area, experiencing 25,000 cars a day. Beyond the safety of the traveling public, the demolition of this building would create a renewed site ready for prime development. The site is slated to be an essential development property that will boost the region's job and economic prospects.
Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter