Joyce law to increase fire prevention education among children

• education
• Illinois State Fire Marshal
• Fire Safety

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Patrick Joyce that would bring more fire prevention education to children across the state was signed into law Friday.

“There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to fire education, such as the importance of smoke detectors, having updated escape plans and knowing what to do in case of a fire,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “By teaching children at an early age, we can help prevent fire tragedies and ensure children are prepared in case of an emergency.”

This new law will create positions of certified youth firesetter interventionists in the Division of Arson Investigation within the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

These positions will help local authorities stress the importance of fire safety. They will conduct firesetter interventions and work closely with families, schools and other organizations to provide education, support and guidance to children.

“Many fires can be prevented with proper education and fire safety awareness,” said Joyce. “Fire prevention tips and hands-on training exercises from certified individuals will go a long way in protecting public safety and preventing future fires in our communities.”

House Bill 2372 was signed Friday and takes effect immediately.

Joyce urges local agencies to apply for OSLAD grant

• parks
• IDNR
• OSLAD

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce is urging agencies across the 40^th District to apply for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants.

“It is important our local parks are getting the attention they need to stay safe and accessible to residents,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The OSLAD program is a great way to invest in these areas to keep them thriving. I encourage local agencies to apply for the program so people can continue to enjoy the outdoors.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31.

The program offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. A total of $56 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. In addition, IDNR will once again provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 31 and should be submitted to IDNR. For more information on the OSLAD program, visit IDNR’s website.

Route 53 to see over $54 million in upgrades in the coming years

WILMINGTON– State Senator Patrick Joyce, State Representative Anthony DeLuca and Will County Board member Joe Van Duyne announced over $54 million to improve Route 53 over the next six years.  

“One of the most common things I hear in Wilmington is that Route 53 needs to be fixed,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Fixing Route 53 is very important to communities in this area, as it goes right through downtown and people use it to get to work. I will continue to work to bring tax dollars back to our area.”

Villages and municipalities along Route 53, including Gardner, Braceville, Godley, Braidwood, Wilmington and up to Joliet will see $54 million spent over the next six years for improvements.

“It is high time that we make the proper investment to fix these roads,” said State Representative Anthony DeLuca. “We can accomplish so much when state and local government works together to achieve a solution.” 

Read more: Route 53 to see over $54 million in upgrades in the coming years

Joyce announces more than $1.4 billion in infrastructure improvements coming to the 40th District

• IDOT
• Road Construction
• MYP

KANKAKEE – With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced more than $1.4 billion in state and local highway road improvements for the 40^th District.

“To meet the demands of the present and the future, it is important we are maintaining our roads and bridges,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The 40^th District will see much needed roadway improvements in the coming years that will be a win-win for everyone.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Joyce represents will see 90 infrastructure projects totaling more than $1.4 billion over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area include:

• Over $50.5 million in miscellaneous improvements along IL 53
• Preservation of pavements in Chicago Heights at US 30 and 14^th Street
• Interchange reconstruction and bridge replacement on I 57 at US 45/52 in Kankakee

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invest in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“I want to ensure our district stays connected, and there’s no better way for that to happen than significant improvements in infrastructure,” said Joyce “Not only are safer roads underway, but so are more job opportunities and increased economic development.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 40^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.