PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler joined local leaders along with the Illinois Department of Transportation Tuesday to announce $24.6 million in improvements to Peoria’s Bob Michel Bridge through the Rebuild Illinois project.

The project includes installing new concrete and bridge joints to extend the life of the deck. The improvements will expand walkways and convert the five foot sidewalks into a 14 – foot path that is accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists in the community.

“These improvements to our bridge is vital for workers and residents throughout our community,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “Residents of the greater Peoria area deserve safe transportation and high quality roads. These repairs provide opportunities for new jobs, economic development, and a brighter future for our community.”

Koehler supported the Rebuild Illinois project in 2019, a bipartisan effort to invest $44.8 billion over six years into the state’s infrastructure, with over $33.2 billion being allocated to transportation – including the funds for the Bob Michel Bridge construction.

The bridge carries over 17,000 vehicles a day across the Illinois River, connecting Peoria and East Peoria. The bridge will be closed for eight months, with traffic being rerouted to interstate 74. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to cross the bridge.

The project is scheduled to finish in November.

PEORIA – The Illinois Army and National Guard had their mobilization ceremony for 160 National Guardsmen Tuesday. State Senator Dave Koehler commends their sacrifice.

“I am thankful to have such brave men and women in our community protecting our nation’s interests overseas,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “These airmen and women will be guiding our forces from above. I wish them a safe and successful deployment.”

More than 100 members of the 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion of the 106th Aviation Regiment, as well as 30 members from the Company B. 935th Aviation Support Battalion from Kankakee will deploy to the U.S. Central Command region. Soldiers will spend their time providing air support to United States forces throughout the Middle East.

These men and women will be deployed overseas to help conduct operations with national interest.

PEORIA HEIGHTS – The Illinois EPA announced $40,000 is coming to Peoria Heights to help the area identify service lines that may contain lead.

“Lead contamination poses serious health risks for residents in our community,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “This funding will give the village the resources they need to ensure we have safe drinking water throughout our community.”

State Senator Dave Koehler voted for the legislation creating the Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act in 2021. This act provides timelines and requirements for communities replacing contaminated water pipes, as well as assisting in financing local water projects throughout Illinois.

Illinois has more lead service lines than any other state in the nation, with an estimated 730,000 to 1.4 million lead service lines in the ground. There is no safe level of exposure to lead.

“This funding will provide many communities with the necessary funding to develop a complete inventory identifying the types of water lines that exist in their drinking water supplies,” said Illinois EPA Director John Kim.

To see a full list of Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) Grants, click here.

PEORIA – Fighting for working-class families, organized labor and providing teachers and students with the resources they require are top priorities for State Senator David Koehler (D – Peoria), who was sworn into his sixth term Wednesday.

He is looking forward to continue tackling the issues his community faces every day.

Koehler was sworn into his sixth term on Wednesday. The state Senator is looking forward to continue tackling the issues his community faces every day.

“I am honored to work for the interests of my community once again” Koehler said. “Residents of the greater Peoria area have put their trust in me once again, and I look forward to continuing the fight for my community.”

Koehler was elected to the Illinois Senate in 2006, and was promoted to Assistant Majority Leader in 2019. Due to redistricting of legislative districts across Illinois, Koehler now represents the Bloomington-Normal area as well.

“I am excited to get to work for not just Peoria and surrounding areas, but also Bloomington-Normal. I look forward to producing effective legislation for higher education in the area, as well as focusing on organized labor and clean energy” Koehler said. “These communities are great areas for teachers, students and workers to thrive. I will work hard to ensure even more opportunities are available for our community.”