Sorensen Applauds Investments for Local Projects in Northern Illinois
ROCKFORD, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) applauded the inclusion of over $2.8 million to fund a police training facility in Winnebago County, upgrade the 8th Avenue Bridge in Rockford, and replace contaminated wells in Freeport in two FY2024 House Appropriations bills. Funding for these projects were requested by Sorensen in April.
"As a born-and-raised Rockford native, I know how important it is for children and families to live in safe neighborhoods, have reliable infrastructure, and be able to access clean drinking water," said Sorensen. "I'm urging the House and Senate to swiftly pass this bill with this critical funding allocated to create safer and healthier communities in Northern Illinois."
Sorensen requested funding for these projects as part of the Community Project Funding process, which allows members of Congress to secure funds for critical initiatives in their communities. The three projects for Northern Illinois are included in the FY2024 House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill and the House Interior & Environment Appropriations Bill.
The bills now go to the full Appropriations Committee for approval, then to the House floor for a vote. The projects are:
Regional Police Training Center for Winnebago County
Amount awarded: $846,910
Funding for this project would allow the Winnebago County police purchase equipment and operate a state-of-the-art training facility that will improve officer training and retention. These resources would also improve police community-relations by preparing officers for more scenarios they will encounter on duty.
“This funding will allow Winnebago County to operate a state-of-the-art police training facility that is unmatched in our region,” said Winnebago County Board Chairman Joseph Chiarelli. “Investing in the quality training of our law enforcement will not only strengthen retention, but attract new recruits. Providing this scenario-based education will result in properly trained officers who are well-equipped to serve and protect our community.”
8th Street Avenue Bridge Upgrades for Rockford
Amount awarded: $1,000,000
The replacement of the 8th Avenue Bridge, which is currently unable to support school buses, would safely reconnect children in the community to their nearby elementary school. In addition, the project would upgrade century-old water infrastructure and remove toxic lead service lines, creating improved quality of life for residents.
“Bridges are a critical connector between our residents and essential resources,” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “Since I took office in 2017, I have worked on repairing and replacing many of the aging bridges in our community. I am thankful to Representative Sorensen for helping us to continue that effort by requesting $1 million for the replacement of the 8th Avenue bridge. This project will not only improve the bridge, but also upgrade century old water mains, remove toxic lead service lines, and safely reconnect children to their neighborhood elementary school.”
Well Replacement Project for Freeport
Amount awarded: $959,752
Funding for this project will be used to dig new wells in Freeport. The city’s current water supply relies on contaminated sources, and new wells will safely support water needs for residents.
“The funding for this project will allow the City of Freeport to construct Well #12, which will significantly reduce the city’s over-reliance on source water that is contaminated with PFOS and PFOAS (forever chemicals),” said Freeport City Manager Randy Bukas. “Once in production, Freeport citizens will have access to high-quality, uncontaminated water, and the city will be able to advance the process of decommissioning contaminated source water production wells.”
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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