Illinois Congressman Sorensen Applauds Investments for Northwestern Illinois Infrastructure Projects
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) applauded the inclusion of $3.2 million for clean drinking water and road infrastructure projects
in two FY2024 House Appropriations bills. Sorensen requested
funding for the projects in April.
“To create healthier neighborhoods, safety and access to clean drinking water need to be top priorities,”
said Sorensen. “I’m pleased to see this funding included in this critical legislation and am urging swift passage of these bills so we can get to work on modernizing Northwestern Illinois’ infrastructure.”
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 four projects for Northwestern Illinois are included in the FY2024 House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill and the House Interior & Environment Appropriations Bill.
Eric Sorensen
The bills will be sent to the Appropriations Committee for approval, then to the House floor for a vote. The projects are:
35th Street West & Centennial Expressway Intersection for City of Rock Island
Amount awarded: $850,000
The funding will be used to upgrade the 35th Street West & Centennial Expressway intersection in Rock Island to improve safety, reduce congestion, and create paths for pedestrians and cyclists to access nearby features of the community. The project modernizes aspects of the intersection to include a new roundabout, road diet, turn lane, and other safety features.
“The City of Rock Island Public Works Department submitted a funding request for the reconstruction of 35th Street West and Centennial Expressway intersection to Representative Eric Sorensen’s office to be considered for possible funding in FY2024,”
said City of Rock Island Director of Public Works Michael Bartels. “The project would consist of eliminating the traffic signals at the 35th Street West intersection and modernizing the intersection with a roundabout and complete street redesign. This
phase would begin the first steps in implementing a road diet for the Centennial expressway and reducing four lanes of highway down to two lanes each way with a bi-directional turn lane in the middle, east and west of the 35th Street intersection. The project
would also include a pedestrian walk and bike lane that will connect residents to Mel McKay Park, the Southwest Library and eventually Ridgewood Elementary School. The City of Rock Island is very appreciative and honored to be considered for funding as part
of Representative Sorensen’s Appropriation Bill.”
Lead Service Lines Replacement for Monmouth
Amount awarded: $959,752
This funding would be used to replace lead service lines within the community of Monmouth to meet updated Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. In doing so, this project would allow the city to achieve more equitable drinking water access.
“The City of Monmouth is very grateful to Congressman Sorensen for including a $2 million request for federal funds in this year’s appropriation bill to financially assist the residents of Monmouth to replace lead water service lines into their homes,”
said Monmouth City Administrator Lew Steinbrecher. “This is a major nationwide priority and an extensive financial burden to all water users in the Monmouth community. The support of Congressman Sorensen will significantly improve the lives of many Monmouth
families and households that would otherwise face great hardship in replacing these old lead water lines everywhere throughout town.”
Lead Service Lines Replacement for Moline
Amount awarded: $500,000
This project would replace an estimated 70 lead service lines on 15th Street between 16th Avenue and 20th Avenue in Moline. This funding would contribute to ensuring Moline residents have access to clean, safe drinking water.
“Like many Midwestern communities, Moline has many lead water service lines,” said City of Moline Director of Utilities Tony Loete. “Safe drinking water is a pillar of our society and Moline stands ready to remove lead water piping. Congress has appropriately acknowledged the importance of lead service line replacements through
their actions to adopt the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act. Representative Sorensen’s efforts to secure funds for the city of Moline for this project are to be commended.”
Water Main Replacement Project for City of Lanark
Amount requested: $959,752
This funding would be used to repair the city’s water mains, which have experienced an inordinate number of breaks and incidents of low-pressure. This funding is important because current infrastructure is not suitable to provide water adequately and reliably to residents and businesses.
“The City of Lanark and our City Engineer, Fehr Graham, are elated to have been selected by Congressman Sorensen for this important and significant Community Project funding,” said City of Lanark Mayor Ken Viglietta. “This $2M of project funding will allow the City of Lanark to perform much needed water main replacement in our community that will improve the quality of water and life for our residents and
businesses.”
