Sorensen Secures Tax Dollars for Central Illinois Infrastructure Projects

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) secured over $123 million in tax dollars for historic projects benefitting Central Illinois. 

“Central Illinois is a special place, and it is my job to make sure my neighbors can live and grow a family in communities that are sustainable for future generations. One of the ways I can make sure that happens is by bringing tax dollars back home to support middle-class families,” said Sorensen. “By working across the aisle, I was able to secure over $123 million for Central Illinois to upgrade our river infrastructure to grow our economy, build more housing that working families can afford, and make our neighborhoods safer through rebuilding broken sidewalks, sewers, and more. I am grateful to our local partners who helped advocate for these investments that will have a positive impact on the lives of so many of our neighbors.” 

The historic projects Sorensen secured for Central Illinois communities are: 

Infrastructure Improvements along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers 

The Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) is ahistoric bipartisan, interstate river infrastructure initiative that Sorensen has been a strong advocate for since entering Congress. Sorensen secured $120 million in the now passed FY2024 House Energy and Water Appropriations bill to support NESP and upgrade outdated locks along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. By upgrading locks, the investments make river navigation more efficient, bring Illinois’ goods to market faster, and boost the regional economy. 

“The Illinois Soybean Growers commend the further funding of the NESP program in the FY24 Energy and Water appropriations package. The continued support by Rep. Sorensen and members of the Illinois delegation highlights the importance of the NESP program to maintain a reliable and cost-effective transportation system for Illinois exports. The program also strikes an important note balancing the need to maintain navigation and protect ecosystems along the Illinois waterway. We look forward to continued advancement of the NESP program and progress toward the construction of new 1200-foot lock chambers on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers,” said Illinois Soybean Association Director of Government Relations Andrew Larson. 

Affordable Housing in Peoria 

To help increase homeownership in Peoria, Sorensen successfully passed $500,000 to construct new affordable single-family homes in the 61605 ZIP code. Increasing homeownership builds generational wealth, strengthens neighborhoods, and lays the groundwork for future sustainable growth. 

“Thank you to Congressman Sorensen for his advocacy for local governments. Because of his tireless efforts, we will see continued investment in the City of Peoria through expanded housing opportunities for community members in the 61605 ZIP code, in addition to new sidewalks in qualified census tracts. These projects will not only provide opportunities for housing and pedestrian access but also improve the economic outcomes for our community members,” said Rita Ali, Mayor of the City of Peoria. 

Sewer Infrastructure Upgrades in Bloomington 

The $2 million secured by Sorensen in the FY2024 Interior Appropriations bill will be used to construct new sanitary sewers and water mains and separate combined sewers into separate systems, which will help eliminate capacity issues. This project will minimize overflows, sewer backups, and flooding, both in homes and public bodies of water during heavy rain events. 

“The City of Bloomington is grateful to Congressman Sorensen for his efforts in securing $2 million in funds for the Locust Colton sewer separation project,” said Bloomington Mayor, Mboka Mwilambwe. “This vital funding will not only address critical infrastructure needs but also enhance the quality of life for our residents. From the very beginning, Congressman Sorensen took the time to visit with us and learn about what was important to us. We appreciate that he turned his interest into advocacy that provided results and look forward to the positive impact this investment will have on our city.” 

Sidewalk Upgrades in Peoria 

To increase walkability in areas where residents rely on both walking and public transit, Sorensen secured $500,000 in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill to upgrade and replace outdated sidewalks in Peoria. 

“Thank you to Congressman Sorensen for his advocacy for local governments.  Because of his tireless efforts, we will see continued investment in the City of Peoria through expanded housing opportunities for community members in the 61605-zip code, in addition to new sidewalks in qualified census tracts. These projects will not onlyprovide opportunities for housing and pedestrian access but also improve the economic outcomes for our community members,” said Rita Ali, Mayor of the City of Peoria. 

Water Main Replacement for Peoria Heights 

Sorensen secured $959,752 in the FY2024 Interior Appropriations bill to replace critical water infrastructure in Peoria Heights. This project will help provide safe drinking water to families and promote equity between two sections of the community separated by the Illinois River bluffs. 

“We are lucky here in Peoria Heights to have leaders in Washington, D.C., fighting on our behalf to find funding for projects not only of local but regional benefit. Congressman Sorensen has done just that by securing nearly $960,000 through the House’s Community Project Funding program for a water main replacement project on Illinois Route 29,” said Peoria Heights Mayor Michael Phelan. “It is very difficult for a small community to raise those kinds of dollars on its own. This is a critical investment along one of the most heavily traveled roads in this part of central Illinois, and Congressman Sorensen, to his enormous credit, recognized the importance of doing this project now, in advance of the nearly $70 million rehabilitation and reinvention of that highway through Gov. Pritzker’s capital program. This effort will guarantee a safe and reliable water supply in an older neighborhood that is getting renewed attention from the Village. The residents there deserve the same quality infrastructure and level of services as those who live up the hill in Peoria Heights. We thank Congressman Sorensen for recognizing that, and for again going to bat for us here in Peoria Heights.” 

Sorensen secured funding for these projects as part of the Community Project Funding process, which allows members of Congress to secure investments for critical initiatives in their communities. The projects for Central Illinois were included in House spending legislation signed into law by the President on Saturday.