Joyce: Greater Kankakee Airport to receive $1.6 million in state funding

• IDOT
• Greater Kankakee Airport

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced a $1.6 million investment in state funding to help maintain and upgrade the Greater Kankakee Airport on Monday.

“I’m thrilled the state is investing in our local airports,” Joyce said. “This massive investment will make air travel safer and more reliable while helping grow our local economy.”

The 96 projects selected for funding will help meet the needs of airports large and small in both urban and rural communities. Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of public airports to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Among the projects to receive funding, the Greater Kankakee Airport will use these funds for construction to the Widen Taxiway Fillets and Relocate Taxiway D.

“The Greater Kankakee Airport is a strong economic driver in our community,” Joyce said. “This funding will provide much-needed dollars to strengthen our state’s infrastructure for years to come.”

A full list of recipients can be viewed by going to https://idot.click/rbi-airport-program-awards.

Joyce reminds residents to shop small on Small Business Saturday

• Small businesses
• 40th District
• Small Business Saturday

KANKAKEE – Small Business Saturday is this Saturday, Nov. 27, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging residents to patronize local businesses this holiday season.

“Our small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and deserve our support in these trying times,” Joyce said. “I encourage you to go out and support the small businesses in our area that are trying very hard to keep their doors open and our community vibrant for everyone.”

Joyce reminds residents that Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support the small, family-run shops that do so much throughout the year for the community. Joyce added that supporting small does not just mean shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Residents can show their support through online sales, ordering carryout from a locally owned restaurant or buying gift cards.

“Small Business Saturday is more vital than ever this year,” Joyce said. “Business owners are hoping to see you in line or online this Saturday, Nov. 27.” 

Additionally, if money is tight due to the financial concerns relating to the pandemic, people can follow their social media, recommend them to friends and leave positive reviews.

Joyce encourages drivers to utilize IDOT’s road conditions map

• IDOT
• Getting Around Illinois

PARK FOREST – As the temperatures begin to drop, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging drivers to utilize the winter road conditions map on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Getting Around Illinois website.

“Before hopping in the car this winter, be sure to check the current road conditions beforehand with IDOT’s road map,” Joyce said. “If everyone on the road takes advantage of this resource, we’ll see fewer crashers and reduce delay times.”

Previously, the map displayed conditions by county. New this year, the map shows how weather events are impacting roads, including the ability to identify and zoom in to a location, travel route or destination with current information recorded by plow drivers.

People can interact with the map to understand how weather events are affecting roads across the state. The winter road conditions map is available on IDOT’s website.

Joyce reminds residents of upcoming Coffee, Conversation and Constituent Services event

• Community events
• Events
• New Lenox
• Coffee & Conversation

NEW LENOX – Ahead of Saturday’s Coffee, Conversation and Constituent Services event, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is reminding residents to take the opportunity to share ideas and concerns with their representation in Springfield.

“Giving residents the opportunity to come to the table and provide input on what’s happening in our community or in Springfield is vital, and that’s why my office continues to host events like this,” Joyce said. “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 Saturday, Nov. 20 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Gost Coffee Roasters located at 1333 S. Schoolhouse Rd. in New Lenox.

This is another effort from Joyce’s office to increase government accountability and accessibility by hosting this traveling event at different times, locations and days of the week in hopes of reaching working families across Will, Cook, Kankakee and Grundy Counties.

This event is free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit his website at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.