Steel and Sears Dam Meeting will happen as scheduled

The Sears and Steel Dam meeting will be happening this evening as scheduled.

We will be hosting at the IBEW Hall on 52nd in Moline from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The hearing will include a presentation of the preliminary findings of the study and allow the public to voice their questions, concerns and suggestions.

Halpin to hold hearing regarding Steel and Sears Dam study and invites public comment

MOLINE - In order to promote transparency, engage the community and consider various safety proposals for the Steel and Sears Dams, State Senator Mike Halpin is calling for the community to attend and comment at a public hearing regarding this key issue.

“This hearing will give folks who live, work, and play near the Rock River a chance to share their views on the Steel and Sears Dams,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “IDNR’s safety study will give our municipal and community leaders powerful insight into alternatives that protect the environment and recreation on the river, while ensuring the river is as safe as possible for that purpose.”

The hearing will include preliminary findings from the safety study conducted by Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and will include public comment following the presentation of their findings. The Steel Dam and Sears Dam have been the site of fatal accidents and the study’s purpose is to examine ways to mitigate the safety risk and prevent these tragedies in the future.

Senator Halpin invites the public to attend the hearing at the IBEW Hall at 1700 52nd Ave., in Moline on March 16 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Those with questions should call Senator Halpin’s office at 309-558-3612, text at 309-297-4483 or check out his website.

Sears and Steel Dam Hearing

Halpin announces funding to promote innovation in Galesburg

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin announced that $56,432 in grant money has been awarded to an innovative small business in Galesburg.

“With the right resources, Western Illinois communities can produce competitive products that bring business to our region,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Innovation grants lift up small businesses and put tax dollars to good use.”

The Illinois Innovation Voucher Program connects small businesses with the state’s world-class universities and research institutions. Through competitive awards of up to $75,000, the program enables companies to pursue research and development projects in partnership with a qualified Illinois institute of higher education to support technology validation, accelerate product development and strengthen commercialization pathways.

In the 36^th Senate District that Halpin represents, Lux Blox LLC in Galesburg was selected to receive the $56,000 through Innovation Voucher Program grants. Lux Blox produces educational and interactive toys for children to get excited about STEM. Their products are manufactured in the United States and are used in classrooms and other learning spaces around the world.

To learn more about the Innovation Voucher Program, click here.