Sorensen Applauds Investments in Central Illinois Infrastructure Projects
PEORIA, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) applauded the inclusion of over $4.6 million for investments in affordable housing, road infrastructure, sidewalk upgrades, and clean drinking water for Central Illinois communities in two FY2024 House Appropriations bills. Sorensen requested funding for these projects in April.
"Funding for these critical projects will give Central Illinois communities the tools they need to improve traffic, increase homeownership, live healthier lives, and make our region sustainable for generations to come," said Sorensen. "I’ll continue to work with House and Senate leaders to ensure this important funding is included in any final legislation.”
Sorensen requested funding for the projects as part of the Community Project Funding process, which allows members of Congress to secure funds for critical initiatives in their communities. The six projects for Central Illinois are included in the FY2024 House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill and the House Interior & Environment Appropriations Bill.
The bills will be sent to the full Appropriations Committee for approval, then to the House floor for a vote. The projects are:
Qualified Census Tract Sidewalk Upgrades for City of Peoria
Amount rewarded: $500,000
The project would upgrade and replace sidewalks in Peoria. In this way, the funding would support walkability in lower income areas where many residents rely on a combination of walking and public transit.
“We would like to express our appreciation to Congressman Sorenson for including the improvements to Peoria’s sidewalks located in Qualified Census Tracts in his list of requests,” said City of Peoria Mayor Dr. Rita Ali. “While the City continues to make substantial investments to improve our infrastructure, more funding is needed. Investing in sidewalks supports walkability, increases safety, vibrancy, and accessibility, and builds community connectivity. Upgrading sidewalks in our neighborhoods will provide our neighbors with a safe place to walk instead of using roadways. This investment is of great importance to our community members who rely on a combination of walking and public transit.”
Street Upgrades for Town of Normal
Amount awarded: $850,000
To create safer conditions for drivers and pedestrians around an elementary school, a regional shopping district, and a key employment corridor, this funding would be used to impose a road diet on Vernon Avenue. The project would provide safer, multimodal access from a low-mod Census Tract.
“The Town of Normal appreciates Congressman Sorensen’s support of our efforts to create safer conditions for both drivers and pedestrians in our community,” said Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos. “Never is this more important than around schools.”
Affordable Single-Family Housing for City of Peoria
Amount awarded: $500,000
Increasing homeownership builds generation wealth for residents, works to stabilize neighborhoods, and lays groundwork for future community growth. To help increase homeownership in Peoria, this funding will construct new affordable single-family homes in the 61605 ZIP code.
“We appreciate all the work Congressman Sorensen is doing at the federal level to provide critical and much-needed funding to local governments,” said Peoria Mayor Dr. Rita Ali. “Continued investment by the City of Peoria and the federal government helps to improve the economic outcomes of our residents. The Congressionally Directed Spending Request will help the City continue to focus on expanding housing opportunities for community members in Peoria specifically in the 61605 zip code.”
Storm Water Improvement for Uptown Normal Central Business District
Amount awarded: $850,000
This funding would install updated storm systems in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. The project would reduce the negative impacts of flooding on local businesses and assist the Town of Normal in maintaining the economic vitality of the Uptown central business district.
“On behalf of the Town of Normal, I thank Congressman Sorensen for moving this request forward,” said Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos. “Updating stormwater drainage in the Town’s central business district will protect Uptown Normal from the increasing frequency of heavy rains and other extreme weather events. The entire community, including Uptown businesses and patrons, Amtrak and bus riders and Illinois State University students, will benefit from these improvements.”
Route 29 (Galena Road) Water Main Replacement Project for Peoria Heights
Amount awarded: $959,752
This project would replace critical water infrastructure, supporting ongoing federal, state, and local efforts to protect public health by providing safe drinking water and promoting equity between two sections of the community separated by the Illinois River bluffs.
"We in Peoria Heights are thrilled to make Congressman Sorensen's priority list for fiscal year 2024 federal financial assistance as we try to address critical infrastructure needs in our small community,” said Peoria Heights Mayor, Michael Phelan. “First, the more than $1.9 million we are requesting in federal help for a water system project in one of the oldest areas of town is much needed to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for our residents. Those dollars also will help us meet the ongoing challenge of providing fair and equitable treatment in the delivery of fundamental services to our citizens no matter the neighborhood in which they reside. That Congressman Sorensen recognizes those dual needs in this corner of his 17th Congressional District speaks well of him, and we are grateful for any assistance that he can provide.”
Locust Colton Sewer Separation Project for Bloomington
Amount awarded: $959,752
This funding would be used for the construction of new sanitary sewers and water mains and the separation of combined existing sewers into new systems, eliminating capacity issues for the area. This project would minimize future overflows, sewer backups, and flooding, both in homes and public bodies of water during heavy rain events.
“As a City, we understand that the Locust Colton Sewer Separation Project is vital to our community,” said Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe. “Improving the overall performance and efficiency of the system is a priority for us and this major investment in Bloomington’s infrastructure will ensure the system is safe and reliable for years to come. We are thankful that Representative Sorensen saw how important our project is and included it with the other community plans moving forward through the appropriations process. His recognition confirms our project is viable, cost-effective, and aligned with the needs of our residents.”
Congressman Eric Sorensen is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to represent Illinois at the federal level and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.
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