KANKAKEE – With the support of State Senator Patrick Joyce, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced River Valley Metro Mass Transit will receive over $2 million to improve transportation as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“It is important to stay on top of updates to our community’s transit systems,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This funding ensures our transit districts are getting necessary improvements by providing growth in our infrastructure.”

The third round of Rebuild Illinois grants provide $113.8 million for downstate transit providers. Awards are supporting projects that include the purchase of new vehicles as well as the construction of stations and maintenance facilities that improve service.

The River Valley Metro Mass Transit District will receive $2,080,000 to implement bus lifts and upgrade existing lifts in their transit system. Specifically, the money will aid in helping to secure a service vehicle and maintenance equipment to help keep its buses in safe and mechanically sound condition.

 “We appreciate the support that Senator Joyce has shown for Public Transportation,” said Siron Sims, CEO of River Valley Transit District. “He clearly understands the need for this service and its positive effect on the lives of thousands of people in our community.”

To find a full list of projects, visit IDOT’s website.

KANKAKEE – January is Radon Action Month and State Senator Patrick Joyce is emphasizing the importance of early detection of radon and encouraging people to test their homes for the harmful gas.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas comes from the natural breakdown of the soil, and it enters buildings through small cracks in the foundation, sump pits, crawl spaces, floor drains and more.

“Illinois has shown to have high levels of radon, making it more common for people to be exposed to,” said Joyce (D-Essex).  “Higher levels of radon can lead to major health issues, which is why it is important to test your homes.”

It’s estimated more than 1,100 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year. Statistics show radon has been found in nearly 40% of homes tested in Illinois, with higher levels being in the central and northern regions, like Kankakee and Grundy Counties.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the American Lung Association in Illinois are hosting two statewide contests that urge students to use their creative talents to promote radon awareness. High school students are invited to submit a 30-second commercial style video, and middle school students can design a poster to urge residents to test their homes for radon. For more information and to enter, click here.

“Due to radon being undetectable from human senses, the only way to know if radon is present is by testing the air,” said Joyce. “We are asking young people to get involved by using their creativity to raise awareness and urge families to test their homes for this harmful element.”

For more information about radon, visit www.radon.illinois.gov.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce was sworn in to another term in the Senate Wednesday, as the 103^rd General Assembly officially began.

“It’s an incredible honor to continue representing the 40^th District and serving the people of Illinois,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I want to thank the people of the 40^th District for putting their trust in me to represent them in Springfield for another term. I’m looking forward to getting back to work with all of my colleagues to make Illinois an even better state.”

Joyce, a Democrat from Essex, was appointed to the Senate in 2019 and was elected to a full term in November. He represents the 40th District, which includes portions of southland, as well as a majority of Kankakee County, an eastern portion of Will County, and southeastern Grundy County.

His top goals include making the health care system easier to navigate and more supportive for those suffering from serious illness, ensuring that everyone has access to clean and affordable drinking water, and reducing class sizes throughout the state.

Joyce strives to keep everyone updated with the most helpful and accurate information, and encourages people to reach out to his office at 708-756-0882 or via his website with questions and concerns.

KANKAKEE - As the temperatures drop, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging drivers to utilize the winter road conditions map on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s website.

“With the winter months here, drivers need to be aware of road conditions before traveling,” said Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “Using this resource from IDOT can allow individuals to take precautions before their drive, which can prevent crashes and road delays altogether.”

GettingAroundIllinois.com is available on your computer and optimized for smartphones. The site includes the ability to identify and zoom in on a location, travel route or destination on a state map. The map is updated frequently through a cloud-based system to provide a general overview on IDOT-maintained highways

“The weather in Illinois can change suddenly and this online tool is really helpful and updates often,” said Joyce. “I encourage all individuals to view this map before any trips this winter so everyone can stay safe on the roads.”

The road conditions map averages more than 2.5 million page views during snow-and-ice season, featuring a color scheme of pinks and blues to differentiate from the red, yellow and green of traffic congestion reporting, as well as to increase accessibility for those who have difficulty distinguishing colors.

For more information and to view the map, visit https://www.gettingaroundillinois.com/.