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VIDEO: Sen. Sullivan makes first public appearance since cancer surgery

8 months ago

Sullivan and Spring discuss funding for local projects

State Senator John Sullivan (D – Rushville) and Mayor John Spring of Quincy visited the Kroc Center this morning to discuss $1.2 million in funding through grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for this important project.

“The Kroc Center not only brought 130 new jobs to downtown Quincy, but it also prompted this important long-term investment in infrastructure," Sullivan said. "With the increased foot traffic brought in by the new Kroc Center and the recently completed Adams County Health Department building, I believe it is important to improve the surrounding area to make it safe, accessible, and well-lit for the residents of Quincy.”

While the Adams County Health Department was mentioned, Adams County Board Chairman Mike McLaughlin said he was not made aware of the senator's appearance this morning.

“I’m thrilled to see how this project has brought new life to downtown Quincy,” said Mayor John Spring. “Because of this project, downtown Quincy is safer, more accessible, and better equipped to serve its residents. I want to thank Senator John Sullivan and his staff for the work they put in to help make this happen."

The streetscape renewal project replaces cracked and broken sidewalks, add ADA-accessible ramps at intersections, install new street lighting for security, and create additional parking for the new facilities.

Spring said Sen. Sullivan helped the city obtain a DCEO grant for $654,000 and an IDOT grant in the amount of $691,000. The city of Quincy also committed $114,000 of local TIF funds to the project. Additionally, Sen. Sullivan assisted the City of Quincy with a $350,000 grant from IDOT to widen Broadway Street at 5^th Street and install new signals for safer pedestrian crossing at the intersection.

“The work around the Kroc Center is proof that when private, local, and state entities work together, we can create a positive impact in our communities,” said Sullivan. “Folks in western Illinois have always worked together in a bi-partisan way, and we’ve shown that when we do, the entire region benefits.”

State Rep. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) was not present at the news conference. The news release announcing the event said other local officials would be on hand and there were none present except Spring and Sullivan.

Sullivan was asked how long funding for projects like this will be available with the state and its precarious financial situation.

"There's no easy solution. It's shared sacrifice," Sullivan said. "There are across the board cuts to every entity in the state of Illinois. There's been layoffs at the state level and the city has had to deal with that as well."

Sullivan also said there was no timeline for working on the state's pension issue.

"The sooner we can come up with an agreement is better," Sullivan said. "It needs to be bi-partisan. It needs to include all five (pension) systems. I don't have a timeline."