Koehler remembers devastating Washington tornado

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler is recognizing the 10^th anniversary of the devastating tornado that tore through Washington and Pekin communities — a solemn reminder of the importance of year-round weather preparedness.

"We still remember the events that occurred a decade ago that left these communities devastated,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “The people who lived in the communities hit by the tornado worked to clean up after the storms and help make their towns habitable again.”

In the early hours of Nov. 17, 2013, a devastating EF-4 tornado tore through the communities of Washington and Pekin, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. The storm caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure, and resulted in the death of one individual.

The process of attempting to recover belongings took days — for some, several years. Koehler, who was at the scene following the storm, recalls helping remove debris, assessing damages and working with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross to expedite relief to the many families in need of basic personal items.

“It’s important to have a plan in place in case of a disaster, no matter the time of year or season, to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe,” said Koehler. “It is in times of crisis, such as the Washington tornado, that we are reminded about the importance of storm readiness and the strength within our community to come together to support one another.”

On this significant milestone, we honor the memory of the victims and recognize the tireless efforts of survivors, first responders, those who helped the community recover, and all who bravely answered the call for help.

Resources are available on the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security website.

Koehler announces $200,000 grant to revitalize bike path at Heartland Community College

PEORIA – The Birky Pond Bike Path at Heartland Community College in Normal is being revitalized thanks to an Illinois Bicycle Path grant secured by State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Revitalization efforts for the Birky Pond Bike Path will provide the community with a safe and fun place to enjoy,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Investing in public infrastructure is important to ensure that our community can grow and thrive for years to come.”

The $200,000 grant comes from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Bicycle Path Grant Program. The funding will be used to revitalize the bike path at Heartland and allow the community to enjoy the campus pond, wildlife and vegetation.

“The prospect of job creation and economic development by way of this bicycle path project is both exciting and important,” Koehler said. “This grant will allow residents to more fully enjoy Birky Pond at Heartland Community College.”

To read more about the Bike Path Grant Program, click here.

Koehler: Illinois takes the lead on a nationwide effort to decarbonize

• Hydrogen Hub

PEORIA – Illinois was chosen as a regional clean hydrogen hub to drive clean manufacturing by President Biden and U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, an effort State Senator Dave Koehler has been a leader on. 

"Here in Illinois, we are taking the lead on a nationwide effort to decarbonize,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Illinois’ prime location, strong workforce and clean energy agenda will be displayed on the national level. I’ve known our state is a leader in decarbonization efforts, and I will continue supporting Illinois’ move to clean hydrogen.”

Seven regional clean hydrogen hubs were selected to receive $7 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to accelerate the domestic market for low-cost, clean hydrogen. Illinois was one of three states chosen as the Midwest Hydrogen Hub, with Indiana and Michigan.

Located in a key U.S. industrial and transportation corridor, the Midwest Hydrogen Hub will enable decarbonization through strategic hydrogen uses including steel and glass production, power generation, refining, heavy-duty transportation and sustainable aviation fuel. This hydrogen hub plans to produce hydrogen by leveraging diverse and abundant energy sources, including renewable energy, natural gas and low-cost nuclear energy. The Midwest Hydrogen Hub anticipates creating 12,100 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent jobs.

Read more …

Koehler announces new highway-rail safety project in Peoria

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler announced that the Illinois Commerce Commission has approved multiple projects to improve highway-rail safety in the Peoria Metro Area totaling over $3 million.

“This needed project will help protect and alert all Peoria residents driving across the tracks and will help prevent further railway disasters,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Updating our infrastructure to make it safe and simplified is one small update that impacts the well-being of all residents in the area.”

The improvements will be made at County Line Road near Bureau; Lincoln Street in Henry; Main Street, Edmund Street, Williams Street, and Western Avenue in Marshall County; at East Fairview Street and East Resthaven Road near Mossville; Detweiler Golf Road in Peoria; and at Marine Drive in Peoria.

 “These projects will prevent issues for every driver going across the tracks in our area, from tourists to locals,” Koehler said. “Illinois is finding ways to help our communities, and this is another great step to improve safety measures in Peoria.”

People can visit the Illinois Commerce Commission’s website more information on the Crossing Safety Improvement Program.