Belt applauds over $980,000 in funding for local parks and recreation projects

• OSLAD
• IDNR

East St. Louis – The Madison County Mass Transit District and the City of O’Fallon are among the 118 recipients of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants distributed through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State Senator Christopher Belt announced Thursday.

“This funding will provide critical support to our communities, ensuring they remain accessible and resourceful to all residents,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Investments to these areas shows care and consideration to enhancing the overall well-being of Illinoisans.”  

A total of $60 million in state grants are being awarded for 118 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. The grants represent the largest round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants in the 36-year history of the program.

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that has become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since it was established, OSLAD has awarded more than $530 million for park projects throughout Illinois. Madison County Mass Transit District is set to receive $600,000 and the City of O’Fallon will see $388,000 in funds from the program this year.

“These are essential areas all around the state that are getting necessary funding in order to stay vibrant and welcoming to all,” said Belt. “I’m really looking forward to the positive impact this funding will have on communities in our region, as well as all around the state.”

For more information about the OSLAD grant program and to see a full list of recipients, visit DNR’s website.

New Belt law expands liquor delivery services across Illinois

• SB1001

SPRINGFIELD – Liquor delivery services will be expanded thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Friday.

“We have continuously taken strides to uplift our small businesses, and this is a big win for Illinois bars and restaurants,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This expansion allows businesses to bring in more revenue and increases access for people across the state.”

In partnership with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, Belt’s initiative will eliminate state and local fees for liquor delivery throughout Illinois. Additionally, it brings parity for liquor delivery between home-rule and non-home rule municipalities to regulate liquor delivery.

Senate Bill 1001 also lowers the licensing fees for wineries to $750 if renewed online and $900 for initial or non-online certification. Under a law passed in 2021, the fees were raised to $1,200 if renewed online and $1,500 for initial licenses and non-online.

“As more shoppers rely on home delivery than ever before, it’s important we make it easier for retailers to meet their needs,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO of Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “This bill will ease hurdles by streamlining regulations and removing burdensome fees. We appreciate Senator Belt for his leadership on this issue, especially as businesses seek stability following years of disruption caused by the pandemic.”

Senate Bill 1001 takes effect immediately.

Belt supports education and economic development as a top priority

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement regarding the governor’s budget address this afternoon:

“I was extremely grateful to see education be a major priority in the proposed budget. As a past school board member and a member of the Senate Education Committee, I have witnessed how important it is for continued investment in our state’s education system. Children and young adults are the future of Illinois and increased funding for early childhood, K-12 and higher education will help the students of Illinois thrive and will certainly be beneficial in the long-run.

“Alongside this, we have worked to propel Illinois’ infrastructure and economic development in the    past and will continue to do so by focusing on these priorities in the upcoming year. As the current chair of the Senate Appropriations- Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee, I’m looking forward to having further negotiations regarding economic development for the Metro East, as well as all communities across the state.

“I believe the proposed budget is a good starting point to put the state on the right track and I’m eager to work with my colleagues and the governor to ensure a budget is passed that will benefit the people of this state.”

St. Clair and Madison Counties receive over $14 million to improve transportation with support from Belt

• Rebuild Illinois

EAST ST. LOUIS – With the strong support of State Senator Christopher Belt, St. Clair and Madison Counties will receive over $14.6 million to improve transportation as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program.

“Key investments in downstate transportation will help our communities continue to grow and increase accessibility for residents,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “There’s nothing like driving on a newly paved road. We have to make sure our roads and bridges are safe, reliable and easy to travel.”

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

St. Clair County Transit District will receive $10.8 million for the electrification of transit vehicles with supporting charging stations. Madison County will receive $3.75 million for transit communications and infrastructure upgrades.

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