CHAMPAIGN – To promote economic development and ensure area residents are continuously able to bounce back from the pandemic, Champaign and Vermilion counties will see a combined $225,000 in relief grants thanks to the support of State Senator Scott Bennett.

Through the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) program, the district Bennett represents will see grants to help local governments and economic development organizations develop and create plans to foster relationships with businesses. 

“Many communities in the state have experienced setbacks following the pandemic,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “These grants will help our communities get back on track and move forward.”

Funds distributed to the 52^nd District include $150,000 awarded to the Greater Champaign-Urbana Economic Partnership to improve regional market analysis that focuses on office, retail and industrial spaces in the area. Danville will also receive $75,000 in funds that will be used for the economic recovery of the city, and connectivity planning projects in the downtown area.

RISE empowers local governments to create meaningful plans with a focus on specific initiatives and investments that support recovery from the pandemic. The grants, funding through ARPA, will help improve quality of life for community members by taking a comprehensive approach to economic development through supporting the local workforce, improving affordable housing options and more.

For updates on the program or other upcoming economic recovery grant opportunities, please check DCEO's website.

DANVILLE – With support from State Senator Scott Bennett, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced the Danville wastewater treatment facility will receive $260,000 to update its infrastructure.

“Investing in our aging water infrastructure benefits both public health and the environment,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “This funding is a significant stride toward helping our communities become more eco-friendly by producing suitable water for residents.”

The Danville wastewater treatment facility will receive $260,000 which will provide energy efficiency upgrades to wastewater equipment. The updates that will be made will save the facility 1,834,893 kWhs of energy annually, which translates to significant financial savings for consumers.

The funds for this grant program are provided by the United States Department of Energy’s State Energy Program. For more information about the program or grant opportunities visit their website.

CHAMPAIGN - With support from State Senator Scott Bennett, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced more than $19.2 million in state and local highway road improvements coming to the area in 2023.

“No one wishes to drive on roads that are uneven, or contain potholes or cracks,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “Through IDOT’s investment to Illinois infrastructure, roads and bridges that show significant signs of wear will be repaired for the safety of all travelers.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Bennett represents will see an estimate of 59 infrastructure projects totaling more than $151.1 million over the next six years.

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DANVILLE – Following two years of health care workers being on the front lines of a global pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett recognized them for the work they did around the clock to keep the community safe by hosting a thank you event featuring free drinks from Café 13.

“Health care workers are true heroes, yet are often underappreciated,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “We must take time out of our day to ensure local health care workers are recognized and know they have our full support and appreciation.”

The recognition event hosted by Bennett was held at Café 13 in Danville. Bennett recognized the ongoing efforts of the Danville area health care community. The invitation to local health care workers included free drinks from Café 13.

Bennett recognized the employees of OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center, Carle Clinic, Christie Clinic, Vermillion County Health Department, Aunt Martha’s Clinic, Crosspoint Human Services and Survivor Resource Center. 

“We appreciate Senator Bennett always showing his support for healthcare in our community,” said Marcie Sheridan, executive director of survivor Resource Center. “He is always willing to listen to us.”

Bennett encourages people across the community to remember the sacrifices health care workers make and thank them for their service.