THE FOLLOWING RELEASE IS FROM CONGRESSWOMAN ROBIN KELLY’S OFFICE
Danville, IL – U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (IL-02) announced the approval of $1,890,000 in federal funding for community projects in East Central Illinois. Rep. Kelly secured this funding allocation as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 government appropriations package.
Rep. Kelly secured investments for the following projects:
- $850,000 is allocated for the City of Danville for its revitalization of the city’s Madison Neighborhood. This project will provide better housing and infrastructure, remove blight, and provide more accessible public services to increase the quality of life and economic productivity of the area.
- $500,000 is allocated for the Boys and Girls Club of Livingston County to support development of a planned 17,700-square-foot intergenerational community center. This center will promote interaction and cooperation between individuals of different ages and focus on the needs of all residents, especially children and older adults.
- $540,000 is allocated for the Rantoul Youth Center to expand its capacity to provide meals to its members. This funding will help the center make critical upgrades to its kitchen prep and serving area, relocate the freezers and refrigeration, finish the main dining room, and update existing offices and the gymnasium.
“I am proud to secure these federal resources for housing and youth development to make critical investments in the future of our communities in East Central Illinois,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. “I look forward to continuing to work with community leaders to ensure that everyone in the Second District has the opportunity to thrive.”
“The Rantoul Youth Center is already a tremendous asset to our community and the re-investment we are making back into that facility with the help of Representative Kelly is all about ensuring that we have a special place for the youth of our community to come together in for generations to come,” said Mayor Charles Smith, Mayor of the Village of Rantoul. “The improvements being made to the Youth Center include a new gym floor, bathroom and HVAC upgrades, and the addition of technology and security features that will guarantee that our youth have a state-of-the-art facility in which to grow and prosper into the future.”
“With the support of Congresswoman Kelly, the $850,000 will make a significant impact for the Madison neighborhood of Danville,” said the City of Danville. “Through this targeted funding, we will be tackling housing issues, removing blight, upgrading infrastructure, and improving public services. This investment will be aimed towards uplifting the Madison neighborhood residents’ quality of life, creating economic opportunities, and fostering community resilience. By revitalizing this historic area, we will be making improvements to the neighborhood, paving the way for a more equitable future, and creating a sustainable neighborhood by retaining existing residents while inviting and welcoming new ones.”
“Boys & Girls Club of Livingston County is appreciative and so very thankful to hear the incredible news that Congresswoman Kelly supports rural communities by advancing community project funding for the establishment of an Intergenerational Center in Fairbury,” said the Boys & Girls Club of Livingston County. “Upon completion, the Intergenerational Center will signify a profound commitment to the well-being and prosperity of its residents, regardless of age or background. This center will not only serve as a hub for social interactions and community engagement but also bridge the generational gap, fostering a sense of unity and understanding. In a very rural community, where resources and opportunities may be limited, the presence of such a center will be a beacon of hope and empowerment providing a platform for the exchange of knowledge, skills, and experiences between different age groups, enriching the fabric of the community and creating a stronger, more inclusive society. By investing in an Intergenerational Center, Congresswoman Kelly is planting the seeds of a brighter future for generations to come, where individuals of all ages can thrive and contribute to the vitality of our community. This center will embody the values of compassion, respect, and unity, reminding us that we are all connected and that our collective well-being is essential for a thriving society”.
