JOLIET – State Senators Meg Loughran Cappel and Eric Mattson helped secure $3 million to create a city square in Joliet on Chicago Street across from Rialto Square Theatre. The investment comes from the Cappel and Mattson-backed Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets program.

“Joliet is a vibrant community that continues to grow and attract families,” said Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Through the addition of a more centric meeting area in Joliet’s downtown area, we will captivate even more people which will in turn boost economic development and job growth for years to come.”

With new federal funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity administered grants to 50 commercial corridors throughout the state. Joliet is set to receive $3 million for the creation of a city square in Joliet.

“An investment into Joliet’s downtown is an investment into our community and the families who work and reside there,” said Mattson (D-Joliet). “Growing the downtown Joliet area and making it even more attractive and accessible will bring in more foot traffic for our local shops. This is a win for our community.”

Cappel and Mattson have been advocates for the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois program – a historic $45 billion investment in Illinois’ transportation infrastructure and state facilities.

DCEO originally administered $50 million for the program in 2021. Due to federal funding, the state allocated an additional $56 million to support 29 more projects. With matching funds from recipients, a total investment of $215 million was made in downtowns across Illinois.

For a full list of recipients, visit Illinois.gov.

PLAINFIELD – To give people the opportunity to ask questions, interact with their neighbors and get updates about what’s going on in the community, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is inviting residents to attend her monthly Coffee and Conversation event.

“The best part of being an elected official is getting to know the members of the community, but the pandemic has made it more difficult to connect with each other,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I look forward to talking with everyone over a cup of coffee and hearing about the issues that are important to them.”

The event will be held Wednesday, Aug. 31 from 10 to 12 p.m. at the Plainfield Public Library located at 15025 S. Illinois Street in Plainfield.

Each monthly Coffee and Conversation serves as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with the senator and each other about issues facing the region and the state.

The event is free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s Plainfield office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

SHOREWOOD – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced millions in road and bridge improvement projects coming to the area this year.

“This plan is a symbol of the things that can be accomplished by a government that works together,” said Loughran Cappe (D-Shorewood). “Only good can come of prioritizing public safety and good paying jobs.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Cappel represents will see 11 infrastructure projects totaling more than $18 million over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area this year include intersection improvement and construction engineering in Plainfield at 127^th Street.

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years.  

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

“Not only will these projects make our community more vibrant, it will bring forth good paying jobs,” Loughran Cappel said. “Thanks to this program, people have the opportunity to seek out a good job that can sustain them and their families for the foreseeable future.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 49^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

JOLIET – Families can get their kids ready to head back to the classroom by attending Senator Meg Loughran Cappel and Representative Natalie Manley’s Back-To-School Fair Aug. 13.

The free event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13 at the Joliet Public Library – Black Road Branch, located at 3395 Black Road in Joliet. Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and Manley (D-Joliet) will be joined by community partners who can provide resources and referrals and a team from Brookfield Zoo, who will be on site for a live animal demonstration.

“With the school year right around the corner, it’s a perfect time to have an event that serves as a central location for programs that are available for people in our community,” said Loughran Cappel.

Read more ...