BRADLEY – State Senator Patrick announced the start of improvements to the intersection of Illinois 50 and Armour Road, a project that will reduce congestion and enhance safety while promoting economic development and job growth.

“This project shows major collaboration from government officials, business leaders and community members who all recognize the importance of investing in our infrastructure,” said Joyce (D-Essex).  "By adjoining this project on Route 50 to another just to the south with Bradley's Main Street initiative, we are opening up new opportunities for growth and development. I want to thank Governor Pritzker for supporting this investment in the region and for allocating additional funds when bids came in higher than anticipated due to post-pandemic price increases.”

The Illinois 50-Armour Road project is just one of many road and bridge improvements in the region made possible by Rebuild Illinois. The project consists of widening and resurfacing the intersection of Illinois 50 and Armour Road with additional dedicated turn lanes. Improvements also include new storm sewers, an updated biking and walking path, sidewalks, new curbs and gutters, improved lighting, modernized traffic signals, and landscaping.

The project will also improve access to CSL Behring in Bradley, Kankakee County’s largest employer.

“These intersection improvements once again show how Rebuild Illinois is addressing transportation needs at the local level and helping communities grow and succeed,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “The new, improved Illinois 50 and Armour Road is an investment in safety and quality of life. It also is part of an ongoing commitment by IDOT under Gov. Pritzker to rebuild our infrastructure as a means to attract and retain jobs.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Patrick Joyce that would bring more fire prevention education to children across the state passed the Senate Thursday.

“Many accidental fires can be prevented, which is why it’s important our youth have knowledge about fire prevention,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “With proper education from experts, we can provide children the tools they need to make responsible decisions.”

Joyce’s legislation would create positions of certified youth firesetter interventionists in the Division of Arson Investigation within the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

These positions would help local authorities stress the importance of fire safety. They would conduct firesetter interventions and would work closely with families, schools and other organizations to provide education, support and guidance to children.

”Fire education can save lives, so it’s crucial children know what to do in emergency situations,” said Joyce. “By providing targeted intervention and prevention strategies, we can help protect public safety and prevent future incidents of firesetting behavior in our communities.”

House Bill 2372 passed the Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce supported a resolution Wednesday that declares May 3 as Bacon Day in Illinois.

“I’m very excited about Bacon Day – I’m a farmer and a big supporter of our pork producers,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We’re proud to celebrate Bacon Day and to recognize the impact of the pork industry in Illinois.”

This measure is backed by the Illinois Pork Producers Association. Illinois falls fourth in ranks for pork production in the United States and contributes over $13.8 billion to Illinois’ economy.

National Bacon Day is Dec. 30 and International Bacon Day is Sept. 2.

“The hardworking hog farmers who raise this high-quality product deserves our support,” said State Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City), who introduced the Resolution. “Whether it’s plain or applewood-smoked, whether store-bought or artisan-made, bacon is a meat for any meal.”

This measure passed the Senate Wednesday.

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce joined the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing a $16,000 grant to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to the area.

“Programs like the Illinois Travel and Tourism grants  will continue to help the 40^th District develop new tourist experiences and enhance existing facilities and activities,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Tourism sites and attractions have the opportunity to bring economic growth to the area, which is beneficial for all involved.”

Through the Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program, a total of $2.9 million is being awarded to 51 grantees to support local tourism promotional efforts. This program provides funding for promotional efforts by local governments, municipalities, non-profits and local promotional groups such as Illinois' Certified Convention and Visitor Bureaus, with the goal of attracting visitors to destinations, attractions, and events throughout Illinois.

The Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau is set to receive a $16,527 grant from the program, which is funded by a federal Economic Development Administration grant.

“This grant will help maximize the distribution of our 2023 Visitor Guide. The design, production and distribution of the guide is imperative to the growth of overnight visitors and, in turn, economic growth in Kankakee County,” said Nicole Gavin, Executive Director of Visit Kankakee. “Our all-inclusive guide spans 22 communities and we diligently work to include all visitor-centric destinations, overnight accommodations, outdoor and indoor activities and experiences, museums, architecture, theatrical and musical performances and events, festivals, restaurants, breweries, wine bars, boutiques, antique shops, and everything in between that makes Kankakee County unique.”

To view a full list of Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program recipients, click here.