Koehler announces open application period for $80 million in local economic development grants

SPRINGFIELD – Local governments will be able to apply to receive a portion of nearly $80 million in grants to boost economic development and modernize infrastructure in their communities, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced Tuesday.

“By offering local governments the chance to invest in themselves, we’re continuing to demonstrate a commitment to downstate,” Koehler said. “When downstate thrives, Illinois thrives.”

Through a competitive selection process, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will distribute funding to local governments to support projects that will help generate jobs, expand economic opportunity and encourage new development.

DCEO has allocated $50 million for public infrastructure investments, $16.5 million for regional economic development projects and $13 million to prepare sites for construction. Potential projects also include improvements to utility lines and waste disposal systems, land and building acquisition, and architectural planning and engineering design.

Applications for public infrastructure grants must be submitted by June 30, but others will be accepted on a rolling basis. Available grants, project guidelines and application materials can be found here.

For additional information on these funds, prospective applicants can visit DCEO’s website here. Interested parties can send questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 217-785-6174.

Koehler: State budget should prioritize serving Illinoisans

SPRINGFIELD – Following Gov. JB Pritzker’s annual budget address, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) offered praise for the administration’s priorities. He released the following statement:

“Overall, I’m pleased with where the governor is proposing we focus our attention fiscally. “By prioritizing these initiatives, we are meeting our mandate to provide quality services people can rely on: cleaning up coal ash waste and creating a program to provide access to training for careers in infrastructure and trade industry.

Though this is certainly only the beginning of what promises to be a complex negotiation process, I look forward to working with the Pritzker administration to continue improving the lives of Central Illinoisans.”

Koehler: Blagojevich abused the mandate he was given by Illinoisans

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler offered the following statement Tuesday after President Donald Trump commuted the 14-year prison sentence of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich by after just seven years served:

“As one of 59 votes to remove Rod Blagojevich from office, I stand by that decision. Had he apologized to the people of Illinois for this behavior, I might have more sympathy to him. But he has for a decade exhibited nothing but defiant arrogance and a total unwillingness to own up to what recorded evidence plainly proves he did. I look forward to working with my colleagues this spring to pass a comprehensive ethics reform package that will discourage the likes of Rod Blagojevich from holding office in our state.”

Koehler votes to override Pritzker veto, protect jobs at Peoria airport

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) that would ensure the preservation of manufacturing jobs in the Peoria area passed the Senate with bipartisan support yesterday.

“The point of this legislation is simple: to keep good-paying jobs in our area,” Koehler said. “Without this tax exemption there is no question that aviation companies would have to take a long look at doing business elsewhere.”

Peoria is home to Byerly Aviation, a company that offers maintenance, charters and aircraft sales.

This legislation would reinstate the Illinois state sales tax exemption for materials used in aircraft manufacturing, which expired Dec. 31, 2014. Since its expiration, the Illinois Department of Revenue audited several privately owned aviation repair companies and never required them to collect sales tax. The Illinois Aviation Trades Association believes the outstanding tax bill is roughly $50 million.

This legislation now awaits the governor’s signature.