Governor Quinn Announces $1.1 Million for Construction Project in Peoria

PEORIA – Governor Pat Quinn today announced a capital investment of more than $1.1 million for a construction project in Peoria and Peoria Heights. The project is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward.

“This construction project will turn an abandoned railroad line into a pedestrian trail,” Governor Quinn said. “It will also employ a number of construction workers, which will help the local economy as well.”

An abandoned railroad line from Glen Avenue to Springdale Cemetery will be reworked by adding a 10 foot wide pedestrian trail, drainage improvements, a sidewalk and traffic signals. Otto Baum Company, Inc. of Morton was the lowest of three bidders for the work at $1,119,277. The Illinois Department of Transportation will manage the project.

“This project is an investment in our community’s health and environment,” State Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “It will not only create jobs now, but will enhance economic development efforts in Peoria Heights."

“In addition to creating construction jobs, this grant will help improve the quality of living in our community,” State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) said. “Residents will have a safe place to walk and enjoy the outdoors.”

This project is part of Governor Quinn’s $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.