Halpin urges local agencies to apply for OSLAD grant

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin is urging communities across Western Illinois to apply for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants.

“This state funding is a great resource to keep our parks clean and safe,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “There are many great public parks all throughout Western Illinois and I believe it is vital for local governments to take advantage of funding that is available.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31.

The program offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. A total of $56 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. In addition, IDNR will once again provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 31 and should be submitted to IDNR. For more information on the OSLAD program, visit IDNR’s website.

Halpin announces nearly $500 million in infrastructure improvements coming to Western Illinois, including Andalusia Road

ROCK ISLAND– Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by Senator Mike Halpin, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of nearly $500 million in road and bridge improvement projects.

“Andalusia Road isn’t even in the district I represent anymore, but I am committing to seeing safety improved there with needed repairs, before someone is seriously hurt,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I am also proud to announce that we will see over 100 road and bridge projects coming to the Quad Cities, Galesburg, Monmouth, Macomb and everywhere in between.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Halpin represents will see 114 infrastructure projects totaling $498,865,000 over the next six years.

Read more …

Halpin measures to increase access to community college signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois students will now have access to more educational resources and broader opportunities thanks to two laws championed by State Senator Mike Halpin.

“Through these new laws, students will be equipped with opportunities that suit their individual interests and aspirations,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “By breaking down traditional barriers and expanding access to student directory information, we can enable students to explore a broader range of educational options, which will help keep students in Illinois.”

One of the key components of Halpin’s legislation is expanding access to student directory information for public higher education institutions in Illinois. By Jan. 1, 2024, student directory information will be made available electronically through a secure centralized data system for official recruiting representatives of the armed forces and for public higher education institutions in Illinois. Access to this information enables colleges and universities to reach high school students more effectively, at a lower cost, and inform them of educational and career opportunities for their school.

Read more …

Rock Island Regional Port District becomes reality thanks to Sen. Halpin

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s legislation creating the Rock Island Regional Port District was signed into law.

"Bringing about legislation that contributes to the betterment of our local community is the best part about being a legislator,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "This legislation further equips the City of Rock Island with an instrument for fostering economic growth.”

The establishment of the Rock Island Regional Port District aligns with the goal of encouraging the use of waterways to efficiently transport goods and provide for economies of scale. The Port District will also boost recreation and tourism activities along the river. The Rock Island Regional Port District will be the 20th public port district in Illinois, joining the likes of the Waukegan Port District and the Illinois International Port District.

Read more …