SPRINGFIELD – As a strong supporter of Illinois farmers, State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging local food processors to apply for the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s new grant, with funding to support food processing, aggregation and distribution. Grants will be available for collaborative projects from $1,000 to $250,000 and for individual projects from $1,000 to $75,000.

“Everyone benefits when we empower our local farmers,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “By fortifying the food system, we are supporting our local farmers and mitigating food insecurity. This funding will expand access to fresh, local foods, strengthen the local economy and grow the food supply chain.”

To be an eligible applicant, organizations must meet these qualifications: be an Illinois resident who stores, processes, packages, aggregates or distributes value-added agricultural products, or plan to do so. These entities must meet one of the following criteria: a farm, cooperative or slaughter/processing facility with fewer than 50 employees. As well as an Illinois food business, a food hub, a non-profit organization or a unit of the local government of Illinois. Those interested can prepare for the upcoming application by pre-registering with SAM.gov and the GATA Grantee Portal. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement after Sean Grayson was sentenced to 20 years in prison:

“Nothing will bring Sonya back. Today’s sentencing does not change the fact Sean Grayson took an innocent life.

“I stand with the Massey family and my community as we continue to mourn the unjust loss of Sonya. Since Sonya’s murder, I’ve been committed to making the necessary changes to ensure our community has trust in those who protect and serve, and I’m dedicated to continuing this work now more than ever.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner helped secure $820,000 through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Richland Community College and the Springfield Project.

“Expanding the trades gives people a path to secure stable, good-paying careers in a high-demand industry,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have to continue expanding opportunities and bring more jobs to Central Illinois, and these key investments will open a number of doors for residents.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs. Comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades and secure a lifelong career.

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to strong support from State Senator Doris Turner, the Springfield area received a combined total of $1.8 million from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements.

“Our neighborhood parks are a part of our community,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Investing in local parks provides a place for people to gather, enjoy and explore.”

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It’s become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

The city of Springfield received $600,000 to make improvements at Lake Springfield Center Park and the Springfield Park District received $600,000 to redevelop Dreamland Park.

"The Park District is grateful to Senator Turner for her consistent support in improving the quality of life for her constituents,” said Springfield Park District Board President Leslie Sgro. “This grant to upgrade Dreamland Park in Springfield will provide another generation the opportunity to make positive memories building on the already rich history of the park."

The Village of Grandview was awarded $600,000 to build an outdoor sports complex featuring two bocce ball and pickle ball courts, two soccer fields, a basketball court and a 5-foot-wide concrete walking path at the site. The park also will be graded for storm water prevention and have a fence around the north and east side.

“This project represents far more than new courts and walking paths. It represents opportunity, equity and investment in the people of Grandview,” said Village President Maria “Mia” Ray. “For a small, economically challenged community like ours, OSLAD funding is the difference between having a vision and being able to bring that vision to life.”

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the OSLAD grants.