PEORIA – The Greater Peoria Mass Transit District was named a recipient of a $16.7 million grant to improve Peoria’s mass transit system, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced Friday.

“It’s an unfortunate truth that public transportation systems can easily fall into disrepair, which creates issues for people without reliable access to a vehicle,” Koehler said. “Whether it’s for commuting to work, making a trip to the grocery store, or picking up your child from school, people have to have reliable public transportation systems. This is an important investment to make in Peoria.”

Grant funds will be used for new or renovated buses, transit stations and maintenance facilities. This is the first of three grant cycles for mass transit projects through the Rebuild Illinois plan, with the next two set to occur in 2021 and 2023.

A complete list of local providers and awards can be viewed at https://idot.click/rbi-capital-plan-transit-grants.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced several local businesses will receive financial assistance from the Business Interruption Grant program to help offset financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The BIG program has demonstrated what can be done when we lawmakers in Springfield put our heads together and proactively seek ways to help those we serve,” Koehler said. “Because of this, businesses that have served our communities for generations are able to continue operations.”

28 businesses in the tri-county area received a combined $1,425,000 in $5,000-$150,000 grants to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), joined with Gov. JB Pritzker and officials from the Illinois Department of Transportation to mark the completion of the Murray Baker Bridge’s renovation project Monday.

“The revitalization of the Murray Baker Bridge is a long time coming," Koehler said. "The peace of mind that comes with regular maintenance of our roads and bridges cannot be understated and the newly installed lights add to the already magnificent Peoria skyline."

PEORIA – To continue expanding access to quality broadband in rural areas, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced $50 million in funding are available through the Connect Illinois broadband expansion program’s second round of grants today.

“In order to participate in the 21st Century economy, people need reliable, affordable internet access,” Koehler said. “By setting aside money in the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois statewide construction plan to improve our broadband infrastructure, Downstate businesses, schools, farmers and health care providers will have the opportunity to flourish on a whole new level.”

PEORIA – In a letter to Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) urged an investigation into the Legionnaires’ Disease outbreak at the UAW Senior Citizen Center housing facility in Pekin.

“People at the UAW center are now living with the threat of two infectious diseases circulating in their home,” Koehler said. “This matter could spiral out of control quickly, and coupled with COVID-19 infection, it would be a disaster for the folks residing at this facility. I look forward to working alongside the IDPH, their team, and the building’s management to implement measures to address the disease.”

At the present time, residents of the 215 apartments in the facility are unable to use faucets, leaving them with filtered showerheads as their only source of water.

To follow up the letter to the IDPH, Koehler, along with his wife Nora Sullivan, matched a Salvation Army donation of 215 cases of bottled water for those impacted by the outbreak. Area residents can also assist their neighbors by dropping off water donations to the facility at 444 S. Parkway Dr., Pekin, Illinois 61554.

PEORIA – School districts in the 46^th Illinois Senate District are set to receive nearly $2 million in government funding to improve students’ access to digital technology, including more than $700,000 for Peoria School District 150.

“E-learning is playing such an important role as we overcome the COVID-19 pandemic,” said State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). “I know our local school districts will use these funds to help ensure every student has access to the technology they need to continue their education during this difficult time.”

PEORIA – To curb the devastating economic effects brought on by COVID-19, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is encouraging small business owners to apply for the second round of Business Interruption Grants.

“With the first round of Business Interruption Grants, several local businesses received financial relief and were able to keep their doors open,” Koehler said. “With so many businesses still struggling to maintain operations, it’s doubly important that the state continues to step up to help however possible.”

Applications for the second round of the Business Interruption Grants (BIG) program will be made available this Thursday afternoon and will offer $220 million in funds for small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic.

The second wave of funds from BIG aims to provide relief for all types of small businesses, with a focus on businesses located downstate or in disproportionately impacted areas. Application information for the second round of funds and can be found on DCEO’s website at Illinois.gov/dceo.

CANTON – In response to recent coal plant closures around the state, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) held an Energy Summit to discuss the future of energy policy in Illinois with Senate colleagues Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) and stakeholders from Vistra Energy.

One proposal, which Koehler is sponsoring and Manar is co-sponsoring, would freeze property tax rates on coal, gas, and nuclear plants at pre-closure rates for a total of five years, ensuring local governments and school districts a consistent source of revenue in the short term. Additionally, it would provide an extra week of unemployment insurance benefits for those who are laid off from their job at a plant or mine.