Kane County Reporter

Illinois recreational trail projects awarded $3.7 million

The Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, an advisory board under the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, has recommended $3.7 million in funding for various recreational trail development projects across the state. These grants will help satisfy the growing demand for improved trails and outdoor recreation facilities in Illinois.

One of the recommended projects is the allocation of $200,000 to the Kane County Forest Preserve District for improvements to the Big Rock Forest Preserve Trail. This funding will allow for significant enhancements to the local trail system in the 33rd District.

In addition to trail construction and rehabilitation, the grants can also be used for land acquisition, purchase of equipment for trail development and maintenance, restoration of areas damaged by unauthorized trail use, and construction of trail-related support facilities such as parking and restrooms. Educational programs related to trails are also eligible for funding.

In other news, Brian Duncan, an Ogle County livestock and grain farmer, has been selected as the President of the Illinois Farm Bureau for 2024. Duncan has a wealth of experience in the farming community, having served as the organization's vice president since 2017 and as President of the Ogle County Farm Bureau for 13 years. His selection is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the agriculture industry.

Illinois is also taking steps to enhance broadband access across the state. The Illinois Broadband Lab, in collaboration with the Illinois Office of Broadband and the University of Illinois System, is deploying $1.04 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funds. This program allows local governments, nonprofit organizations, and Internet service providers to challenge the accuracy of the FCC broadband map's designation of unserved and underserved locations. The goal is to ensure that federal resources are directed to areas where they are most needed. Interested entities can now sign up for the upcoming challenge process.

Last week, a $20,000 check was presented to the Well Child Center in Elgin. The funding, secured by St. Charles Mayor Lora Vitek, will support the center's efforts to improve the lives of children and families through education, counseling, and services in the areas of childhood nutrition and pediatric dental health.

Illinois is also launching a statewide partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. The initiative, funded with $1.6 million from the state's Fiscal Year 2024 budget, aims to enhance early childhood learning by providing free, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five. The program currently operates in 40 counties in Illinois, benefiting over 30,000 children. State officials and the Dollywood Foundation hope to expand the program to reach every child in the state.

Lastly, Illinois has launched the "Illinois Opioid Settlements Initiative" website to provide updated information about the opioid settlement agreements in the state. More than $1.3 billion will be allocated to Illinois by 2038 as a result of lawsuits against prescription opioid distributors, manufacturers, and dispensers. The website will publicly display details on settled lawsuits, funding allocations, approved abatement uses, and organizations awarded funding.

These developments in Illinois highlight the state's commitment to improving recreational trails, supporting the farming community, expanding broadband access, enhancing early childhood education, and addressing the opioid crisis.

To learn more, click on this link: https://senatordewitte.com/2023/12/11/local-trail-grant-recommended-for-kane-county/