PEKIN – Due to its accomplishments, including a strong commitment to customer safety and satisfaction, the Illinois Department of Transportation selected Pekin Municipal Airport to receive a 2020 General Aviation Airport of the Year award, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced.

“The Pekin Municipal Airport is a fantastic resource for our community,” Koehler said. “Its commitment to safety and service is undeniable, and this recognition is incredibly well-deserved. Congratulations to all involved.”

Pekin Municipal Airport is one of 12 airports across the state selected to receive an Airport of the Year award from the Illinois Department of Transportation. Award considerations include cooperation and coordination with the state, the airport’s safety record, maintenance of the facility, and promotion of aviation and educational events. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, awards were based on the achievements of the last two years.

“When I was hired, the airfield was in rough shape. Thanks to a diligent city council, airport commission, and an active tenant base, we now have a brand new runway, LED runway and taxiway lights and hangar development on the horizon for the first time in 30 years,” Airport Manager Todd Dugan said. “It’s amazing how much the airfield has improved in just four years, and the change in perception of the airport in the eyes of the community: from a dilapidated airfield to Illinois General Aviation Airport of the Year!”

More information and resources for the Illinois aviation community can be found on Illinois Aviation’s website.

PEORIA – As part of a statewide initiative to break cycles of poverty and provide economic opportunities for at-risk youth, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity selected Peoria Public Schools to receive $202,648 to put toward youth career training programs, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced.

“As we take steps to reinvigorate our local and statewide economies, we can’t forget about the young people who are looking create opportunities for themselves,” Koehler said. “By offering expanded training opportunities to a younger generation, we are helping set them on the path to success.”

The funding comes as part of a $40 million workforce recovery grant program, with $4.4 million aimed at offering expanded career training programs for at-risk youth across Illinois. These investments will support an expansion of training programs across the state, with funds deployed to 20 partner organizations serving an estimated 500 youth over a one-year period.

“Through this program, we are ensuring that the next generation—the young people who are the future of our state—are equipped with the discipline and skills necessary to take advantage of the opportunities that come their way,” Koehler said.

More information about workforce training opportunities can be found on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the passage of an energy policy that would protect jobs across the state and bring Illinois to the forefront of clean energy in the U.S., State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement:

“As we pass this historic legislation, making Illinois a national leader in energy policy, I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have been willing to work together and make compromises in the name of a carbon-free future for our state.

“Months of collaboration have resulted in legislation that will protect good-paying, union jobs across the state, and create tens of thousands more in the clean energy sector.

“As we celebrate this landmark victory, I hope we will continue to take steps toward a clean, carbon-free future for all Illinoisans.”

PEORIA – A number of libraries in the 46^th District will soon receive upgrades to services as a result of more than $363,000 in state grants, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced.

“Libraries provide our communities with a wide range of resources beyond lending books and movies,” Koehler said. “Many people rely on libraries for access to the internet or to be able to use computers and printers. It’s critical that we provide our libraries with the support they need to keep offering these resources.”

The $363,000 received by 12 local libraries is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more.

“When we supply libraries with adequate funding, they are better equipped to serve our communities,” Koehler said. “As the needs of residents expand and change, the services offered by our libraries will as well, thanks to these grants.”

The following libraries will receive funds:

• Alpha Park Public Library District, $41,943
• Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library, $21,688
• Creve Coeur Public Library District, $8,040
• Spoon River Library District, $5,084
• Fondulac Public Library District, $33,562
• Farmington Area Library District, $10,354
• Lewistown Carnegie Public Library District, $7,984
• Marquette Heights Public Library, $4,165
• Pekin Public Library, $50,288
• Peoria Public Library, $169,635
• Peoria Heights Public Library, $9,080
• South Pekin Public Library, $1,690

For more information on the grants, people can visit the secretary of state’s website.