Turner secures nearly $2 million for Springfield, Decatur tourism industry

SPRINGFIELD – Nearly $2 million is coming to Springfield and Decatur, thanks to funding secured by State Senator Doris Turner to support local festivals and attractions and drive tourism in the 48^th District.

“Central Illinois has a number of attractions that bring visitors here from across the country,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Continuing to make strong investments to drive the tourism industry helps boost our local economies. I’m excited to continue highlighting the great things Springfield and Decatur have to offer and show the world it’s a great place to be!”

Through the second round of the Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant Program, a total of $22.5 million was awarded to localities, organizations and businesses to fund 89 tourism-related improvements, events and activities across Illinois. The City of Springfield is set to receive nearly $500,000 to improve the North Mansion Block Plaza and the Springfield Park District received $370,000 to replace Washington Park’s Botanical Garden Conservatory Dome and make other upgrades.

Additionally, Turner helped secure $65,000 for the Hoogland Center for the Arts to support a new marquee with electronic message boards. The Route History, Inc. was awarded $500,000 to construct the Imagine Route 66 History building. The Decatur Park District is set to receive $500,000 to improve the Devon G. Amphitheater.

A full list of recipients can be found here.

Turner hosts Easter ham giveaway

SPRINGFIELD – To give back to the community, State Senator Doris Turner is partnering with Meridian and HealthChoice Illinois to host an Easter ham giveaway on Saturday, April 8 in Springfield.

“As a state senator and resident of Springfield, it’s important to me to continue giving back to our community throughout the year, not only during the holidays,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I’m excited to join health organizations to provide a meal and resources for residents to enjoy and take advantage of.”

Turner will be giving away 150 hams, as well as health and wellness resources provided by Meridian and HealthChoice.

The event will be held at the Greater All Nation Tabernacle Church located at 100 South 19^th Street in Springfield on April 8 from 1-3 p.m. or while supplies last.

Residents with questions can call Turner’s Springfield office at 217-782-0228.

Senator Turner celebrates the start of underpass construction at Madison, Jefferson streets in Springfield

• Springfield

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner joined Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Transportation and local officials in the announcement of a new $68.3 million underpass at Madison and Jefferson streets in Springfield. This is the latest landmark for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, which will separate railroad tracks from regular vehicle traffic to reduce congestion and delays, improve safety, provide better access for bikes and pedestrians, cut down on emergency response times and enhance local quality of life.

“Congestion in downtown Springfield can be hectic, especially when the train crosses right through town during peak traffic hours,” said Turner (D-Springfield), who helped make the Springfield Rail Improvements Project possible. “Emergency vehicles have been delayed getting to and from the medical district, increasing the wait time when residents need medical assistance. This investment not only uplifts the city, but also takes into account the safety, livability and development of Springfield for years to come.”

Following the announcement of the construction, Madison and Jefferson streets will be closed between Ninth and 11^th streets for around 14 months to complete the project. Detours have been posted on the roads. The construction will lower Madison and Jefferson streets and build new railroad bridges to create a set of double tracks for the existing Norfolk Southern Railroad and the proposed Union Pacific Railroad and Amtrak lines.

Madison and Jefferson streets carry a combined 20,000 vehicles a day, serving as a critical link for police, firefighters and two nearby hospitals. Funding for the improvements comes from $13.5 million via the Federal Railroad Administration, $30.9 million from the Illinois Commerce Commission and $23.9 million from IDOT, including $7.4 million through Rebuild Illinois.

The Springfield Rail Improvements Project improves transportation, creates jobs and promotes economic growth in Sangamon County and the city of Springfield. The goal of the project is to streamline railroad operations and reduce the impact of train traffic on the surrounding community by relocating all passenger and freight traffic from the Third Street corridor to 10th Street, as well as creating an underpass and one overpass at key crossings on the 10^th and 19^th street corridors.

Learn more about the Springfield Rail Improvements Project.

Turner measure prioritizing school bus riders passes Senate

• SB2340

SPRINGFIELD – To further increase student safety, State Senator Doris Turner spearheaded a measure through the Senate that would allow school busses to have two extended stop arms.

“Student safety has to be our top priority,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Allowing school busses to have an extended arm would provide more protections for passengers and hopefully lessen the number of drivers who pass stopped busses.”

Senate Bill 2340 would allow a school bus to be equipped with a maximum of two stop arms that partially obstruct the roadway. The extensions would be required to be on the driver's side of the school bus and contain a system of flashing red lights.

“Too often, the safety of our students at bus drop offs and bus pick-ups are placed in jeopardy by distracted drivers. While we hire great bus drivers and teach children to look both ways, we can’t control the actions of a distracted motorist,” said Tip Reedy, Superintendent of Williamsville School District. “We value and appreciate the efforts of Senator Turner and other lawmakers who are taking steps to prevent the occurrence of unsafe and illegal passing of stopped school buses before a tragedy occurs.”

School officials across Illinois have increasingly seen instances of people not properly stopping for a school bus, putting the lives of kids at risk.

“It seems as though the number of distracted drivers on the road is increasing daily, and that is a concern for our bus riders. A flashing stop arm extender is directly in the field of vision of an oncoming driver and will do great things to help combat stop arm violations and continue to make sure our students are transported safely to and from school,” said Matt Peterson, Assistant Superintendent Reed-Custer School District. “The stop arm extender simply takes out any question of ‘do I have to stop?’. When it comes to the safety of the students, we should do whatever we can to make sure vehicles stop for the kids.”

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, 79,959 school bus drivers from around the country reported that 51,593 vehicles had illegally passed their buses on a single day during the 2021-2022 school year.

“We applaud the efforts of Senator Turner and the co-sponsors of Senate Bill 2340 for taking action to empower the use of school bus safety technology to protect students in Illinois on their journey to and from school,” said Trevor J. Clatfelter, Vice President and Director of Government Affairs at BusGates.

Senate Bill 2340 passed the Senate and heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.