West announces nearly $13M in state funding for local initiatives, including upgrades to Fairgrounds Park in Rockford
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — State Rep. Maurice West on Tuesday announced nearly $13 million worth of state funding that will go toward local infrastructure, parks, first responder training, nonprofit support and other initiatives.
The money was all secured as part of the $55.1 billion budget that Gov. JB Pritzker signed on June 16. West’s announcement includes new initiatives, such as upgrades to Fairgrounds Park, and continuations of past funding, such as the restaurant relief grants that are designed to correct a spike in unemployment taxes caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
“Locally, I was able to secure millions of dollars for major investments that will support first responders, reduce blight, combat crime, assist nonprofits, and so much more,” West said. “These investments for the Rockford region are critical for the support of our neighbors and to uplift diverse communities.”
The announcement was made at Fairgrounds Park, 450 Kilburn Ave., where a gravel path that circles the park will be paved with asphalt. The Rockford Park District also plans to add solar lighting and fitness stations along the path, similar to upgrades made in 2023 at Harmon Park. That work is funded with the help of $500,000 in funding secured by West.
The district is also making $1 million in improvements to Harkins Aquatic Center, which is adjacent to the park at 910 Acorn St. Those improvements are funded by $400,000 from the park district’s capital funds and a separate $600,000 state Department of Natural Resources grant. The money will fund upgrades to the pool, the locker rooms and mechanical equipment.
The park district expects to go forward with the work this fall and complete the improvements in time for next summer.
Related: $1.5M in state funds to support upgrades to the BMO Center in downtown Rockford
A $300,000 grant will help the Cherry Valley Fire Protection District’s regional training center on Blackhawk Road. The facility is more than 30 years old and in need of major improvements said Fire Chief Kyle Hill, who succeed Joe Corl as the district’s chief on June 2.
The facility helps train firefighters from across northern Illinois at no cost to the individual departments. It is also used by state and county police.
“For departments that are smaller, that don’t have big budgets and they still need people, and they need volunteers — this is where they’re going to go to get their training,” Hill said. “It’s not just going to benefit Winnebago County. It’s going to benefit firefighters all across the state.”
The $1.7 million in funding going to the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois will be passed through to 31 different local nonprofits, each receiving between $25,000 and $75,000. The foundation handles the administrative paperwork and reporting requirements on behalf of those agencies.
“By serving as the pass-through hub for state grant dollars we can free up nonprofit leaders to do the work that they do best,” said Sarah Lambert, vice president of programs and community investment at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. “When nonprofits can focus their time and energy on programs, not paperwork, our communities reap the benefits.”
West’s announcement on Tuesday totaled $12.96 million to 12 different agencies or initiatives.
Funding announcements
- $3 million for the Family Peace Center
- $2 million for the Northern Illinois Land Bank
- $1.7 million to the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
- $3.7 million for funding the Home Modification Program including RAMP
- $500,000 to the Rockford Park District for upgrades to Fairgrounds Park
- $320,000 for the YWCA Northwestern Illinois
- $300,000 for the city of Loves Park for infrastructure improvements
- $300,000 for the Cherry Valley Fire Protection District to support regional firefighter training
- $40,000 for upgrades for Shelter Care Ministries
- $40,000 for upgrades for Northwest Community Center.
- $60,000 for Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity
- Nearly $1 million of continuing appropriations for GoRockford for talent acquisition and restaurant relief grants
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
