On Tuesday, June 8, 2021,Congresswoman Cheri Bustos visited Morrison, IL, to see progress on the Main Street Renovation Project. On the same day, she announced that, at her request, five local projects have been included in the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee’s INVEST in America Act. The INVEST in America Act is a transformative, five-year, $547 billion, surface transportation reauthorization bill. It includes selected local projects submitted by House Members. Legislation will advance to the committee mark-up process.
“This is an incredible opportunity to rebuild our Country, create millions of good-paying jobs in our communities, and fix our crumbling infrastructure. From investing in our roads and bridges to our downtown commercial areas, we have the chance to build our communities back, better,” Congresswoman Bustos said. “I’m glad that these five projects have been included in the INVEST in America Act. Today’s announcement is the next step in a long process, to make these projects a reality. I look forward to working with my colleagues, as we continue to develop an infrastructure package, the likes of which we have not seen in generations.”
Five projects submitted by Congresswoman Bustos and selected for inclusion follow.
Downtown Infrastructure Improvement in East Moline: Congresswoman Bustos requested $4,946,000 in funding to upgrade and enhance the movability and aesthetic appeal of the downtown area, while connecting the community with newly redeveloped properties including parks, outdoor concert venues, outdoor dining, gathering spaces, and businesses. The project includes upgrades to sidewalks, roads, parking, storm water systems and signage.
Proposed Midwest Medical Center Entrance and Highway Improvements in Galena: Congresswoman Bustos requested $2,000,000 for the relocation of the main entrance for the Midwest Medical Center from Norris Lane to the existing intersection of US Route 20/IL Route 84 at Golf View Drive in order to improve safety and accessibility to the medical center. The existing intersection at Golf View Drive has been the site of several crashes. The current design requires motorists wanting to turn left onto Golf View Drive to have to wait in the active travel lane, which is currently posted at 50-miles-per-hour, resulting in a significant risk for severe injuries when crashes occur.
Adams Street/Jefferson Street Two-Way Street Conversion in Downtown Peoria: She requested $5,000,000 to convert Adams and Jefferson Streets to two-way traffic to improve access to businesses downtown, provide direct access to I-74 eastbound and reduce automobile emissions by providing direct access to destinations. The funding will include mast arm-mounted signals, at eight intersections, and signals will be upgraded for two-way traffic at four other intersections. Bump-outs and new ADA ramps will be constructed at corners to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility.
9th Street Two-Way Conversion in Rockford: Congresswoman Bustos requested $4,050,000 to convert 9th Street/Longwood Street to two-way traffic, from Charles Street to the Whitman Street/6th Street Ramp, to increase access and emergency vehicle response time from the west side of the City to East State Street and SwedishAmerican Hospital. Improvements include signal upgrades and ADA improvements.
McConnell Road Intersection and Roadway Improvements in Stephenson County: Congresswoman Bustos requested $2,528,200 for the reconfiguration of the intersection at IL Route 26 and McConnell Road, the reconstruction of McConnell Road from IL Route 26 to Afolkey Road, and the repair of McConnell Road over Cedar Creek, in order to address immediate safety needs and better accommodate the heavy truck traffic for businesses in the area.