SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is celebrating $1.5 billion in economic development and 700 jobs coming to central Illinois as the Illinois EPA gives the green light to build a new natural gas-fueled power plant in Pawnee.

“The Lincoln Land Energy Center will create good paying jobs right in our backyard,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “When we look at the realm of companies we hope move to central Illinois, those that will positively contribute to our society are at the top of the list – and that’s an attribute of EmberClear’s Lincoln Land Energy Center.”

EmberClear is developing the Lincoln Land Energy Center, a natural-gas fueled power plant about a half mile south of the Village of Pawnee on 160-acres of land. The project location is next to the new Austin substation and minimizes aerial transmission and viewshed concerns. The Illinois EPA has backed the project, saying it will comply with state and federal air control regulations.

Throughout construction, the IEPA projects the build will generate $1.5 billion in economic development and 700 jobs – with 35 permanent jobs coming to the site upon completion. The total project cost is estimated at $1 billion, and the plant will be exclusively built and operated by union labor.

“Lincoln Land Energy Center is an investment not just in our state, but also in our community and our families,” Turner said.  “I stand strong in my commitment to fight for ways to modernize central Illinois’ economy and secure jobs that our communities have long asked for.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner recently announced that, thanks to funds distributed by the Illinois State Board of Education, schools across the 48^th District will receive a total of $843,610 for infrastructure improvements.

“Our children deserve top quality accommodations in order to have a fruitful learning experience,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I’m proud that these much-needed investments will go to benefit school districts, and most importantly, our youth.”

A total of $30 million in 2022 School Maintenance Grants was distributed to districts across the state. To be eligible for the grants, applicants were required to match the state funds and commit to completing proposed projects within two years.

The following school districts have been awarded grant money for 2022:

• Morrisonville CUSD 1
• Taylorville CUSD 3
• Edinburg CUSD 4
• Pana CUSD 8
• South Fork SD 14
• Panhandle CUSD 2
• Hillsboro CUSD 3
• Litchfield CUSD 12
• Nokomis CUSD 22
• Sangamon Valley CUSD 9
• Decatur SD 61
• Carlinville CUSD 1
• Staunton CUSD 6
• Southwestern CUSD 9
• North Mac CUSD 34
• Rochester CUSD 3A

Projects made possible thanks to these grants include updates to heating and cooling, improvements to ventilation, increased accessibility throughout buildings and more.

“Time and time again, studies have shown that high quality facilities lead to a better quality of education,” said Turner. “These grants will help provide the next generation of students an opportunity to seize their destiny and enrich their lives through education.”

A full list of grantees and awards can be viewed on the ISBE website.