SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is urging communities to apply for grants to cover the costs of local park development through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program.

“Our local parks are the heart of our communities,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I encourage park districts and municipalities looking for assistance to take advantage of this great opportunity.”

The OSLAD Program is a state-financed grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space. Projects vary from small neighborhood parks or tot lots to large community and county parks and nature areas.

 SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is urging eligible residents throughout the 48^th District to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to receive energy assistance during the cooler months.

“LIHEAP provides area residents with essential assistance to keep their homes warm through the fall and winter months,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “As many of our seniors struggle to pay rising utility bills – it is vital that they know this assistance is available.”

LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year's LIHEAP recipients received an average of $1,330 per household.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is partnering with the City of Springfield and Sangamon County to invite residents to a public meeting highlighting the Third Street Corridor Redevelopment on Thursday, Sept. 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bank of Springfield Center.

The open house will allow local residents to learn more about economic development plans in downtown Springfield and provide input.

“For years, I have heard from Springfield residents about the loud train noises and congestion in downtown Springfield,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Residents are extremely passionate about these revitalization efforts. This public meeting is an opportunity for folks to learn more about the improvements and voice their thoughts and opinions.”

DECATUR — State Senator Doris Turner celebrates the creation of more than 125 jobs coming to Decatur which will produce materials used in the creation of biodegradable, eco-friendly plastics used in everyday products.

“This new venture will create good-paying jobs and stimulate economic growth in Decatur,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This is an excellent opportunity to bring growth to the region and revitalize our communities. Additionally, a shift towards biodegradable, eco-friendly plastics promotes sustainability and provides our communities with a brighter tomorrow.”

GreenWise Lactic, the first of the two joint ventures, will produce up to 150,000 tons of high-purity corn-based lactic acid annually. ADM will be the majority owner of GreenWise – which is contributing the fermenting capacity available at its Decatur bioproducts facility to the venture. Lactic acid has a broad range of uses including cosmetics, food, feed and bioplastics.