Durbin announces $7M in funding for Macomb

QUINCY, Ill. (WGEM) -- U.S. Senator Dick Durbin visited John Wood Community College today to speak about the future of transportation and infrastructure in the Quincy area.

About a dozen community leaders gathered for a roundtable meeting.

Durbin announced Tuesday that over $7 million in funding will be used for a new bus maintenance, storage and administrative center in Macomb, while another grant will go towards upkeep at the Quincy bus facility.

The Senator said he's also working on securing funds for river projects in Quincy.

Durbin said Quincy is becoming the economic hub of western Illinois and infrastructure would help it grow and lead to more jobs and opportunities for people here.

"The Central Illinois Expressway was the key to the future and I look at all the businesses that have moved to that interstate out on the eastern edge of Quincy, I can see more opportunities that we have as we expand 36 north through Macomb into Peoria into Chicago," Durbin said. "I mean, this is the key to western Illinois so it's not forgotten and part of the picture."

Durbin also spoke with a history class today and students had a chance to ask him questions. He also made an appearance in Meredosia.