Press Releases
Currently showing results related to Rural and Agriculture
Durbin Votes to Confirm Leon Panetta as New Secretary of Defense
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Just before the Senate unanimously confirmed Leon Panetta as the next Secretary of Defense today, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the floor of the United States Senate to express his strong support of Panetta's nomination. Earlier this month, Durbin met with Panetta to discuss his nomination, concerns about an internal Army task force potentially recommending closure of the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (JMTC) at Rock Island Arsenal, and Durbin's DREAM … Continue Reading
June 21, 2011
Durbin Announces More Than $460,000 in USDA Grants for Small Business Development
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development division has awarded a total of $466,000 in Rural Business Enterprise Grant funding to local organizations in Henderson, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Marion, and Peoria counties. "Small businesses play an important role in putting rural Illinoisans back to work," said Durbin "This funding invests in the small businesses that will drive our economic recovery." … Continue Reading
May 03, 2011
Durbin Statement on Southern Illinois Flood Control Efforts
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after being briefed by federal and state officials on the impact of yesterday's decision by Major General Michael Walsh of the Army Corps of Engineers to intentionally breach the levee at Birds Point in order relieve pressure to levees downstream and potentially save Cairo, Illinois - a town of roughly 3,000 people - from devastating floods. "While breaching the levee at Birds Point has relieved … Continue Reading
May 02, 2011
Durbin Statement on Army Corps Decision to Intentionally Breach Levee in Order to Save Cairo, Illinois from Devastating Floods
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after Major General Michael Walsh of the Army Corps of Engineers announced that they will intentionally breach a levee in order relieve pressure to levees downstream and potentially save Cairo, Illinois - a town of roughly 3,000 people - from devastating floods. "I talked with General Walsh several times over the weekend and made clear that I would stand by whatever decision he made. I know he is … Continue Reading
April 26, 2011
Durbin Expected to Visit Southern Illinois on Wednesday to Survey Flood Control Efforts
[SPRINGFIELD, IL] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) is planning to visit Southern Illinois on Wednesday to consult with federal, state, and local officials on their ongoing flood preparation and control efforts. Earlier today, Durbin was briefed by federal and state officials on the threat of severe flooding due to heavy rainfall over the last few weeks which has caused waters levels to rise dramatically along the Ohio, Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. "I commend Governor Quinn for … Continue Reading
March 28, 2011
Durbin Urges Residents to Prepare for Flooding
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today urged Illinois residents in flood prone areas to take steps to protect their homes and businesses in advance of any flooding this year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Army Corps of Engineers are warning of possible heavy flooding this spring around the country and in parts of Illinois. "Minor flooding began last week along the Upper Mississippi River," said Durbin. "I have been in contact with … Continue Reading
March 24, 2011
Durbin, Kirk Express Support of Quincy Appeal
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) today sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) supporting the City of Quincy's appeal of the Commission's decision to dismiss the a permit application for the hydroelectric power plant at Lock and Dam 21. "We are writing to express our strong support for the City of Quincy's (Illinois) proposed hydroprower project and to urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to grant their … Continue Reading
March 18, 2011
Durbin, Kirk: President Issues Major Disaster Declaration for State of Illinois
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) today announced that President Obama has made a major disaster declaration for the State of Illinois triggering the release of federal funds to help communities recover from the severe winter storm and snow storm which occurs January 31 - February 3, 2011. "Although the snow has been cleared and the storms are long gone, residents and business owners are still facing a mountain of challenges. This Presidential … Continue Reading
March 16, 2011
Durbin Meets with Illinois Farm Groups to Discuss Agriculture Priorities
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with members of the Illinois Farm Bureau, the Illinois Corn Growers and the Illinois Soybean Association to discuss agricultural priorities including improving the infrastructure along the Mississippi River which is the backbone of Illinois' waterway transportation system - transporting $12 billion worth of products each year, including over 1 billion bushels of grain to ports around the world. After today's meeting, Durbin, … Continue Reading
March 01, 2011
Durbin Announces $120,000 in Recovery Act Funding for Community Facility Improvements in Alexis
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development division has awarded a total of $120,000 in Community Facility grant and loan funding to the Village of Alexis in Warren County. The Village of Alexis will use this funding to make improvements to important utilities and community buildings. "Community facilities and services are an important part of everyday life for millions of rural Illinoisans," said … Continue Reading
February 09, 2011
Durbin Announces $840,000 in USDA Funding to Create Jobs in Mattoon
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $100,000 in grant and $740,000 in loan funding to the Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative, located in Mattoon, Illinois, through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. The Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative intends to use today's funding for the modernization and renovation of the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center hospital, … Continue Reading
November 16, 2010
Durbin Statement on Agreement Between Florida Tomato Workers and the Florida Tomato Industry
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin released the following statement today after the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) and the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange (FTGE) reached an agreement ending a long-lasting stalemate. "Under the agreement reached today, Florida's tomato workers will be given their first wage increase in 30 years. And going forward, the growers will abide by a strict and transparent code of conduct ensuring that workers be treated fairly … Continue Reading
October 20, 2010
Durbin Announces More Than $2.35 Million in Funding For South Suburban Chicago Development Initiative
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a $2,351,848 Community Challenge Planning grant to the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association to help fund a residential development plan that will foster job growth in the region. "This funding will promote job growth, improve livability, and create more sustainable communities in south suburban Chicago," said … Continue Reading
July 15, 2010
Durbin: Senate Appropriates Committee Approves Nearly $6.3 Million for Illinois Agriculture Projects
[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today said that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $6,268,000 for Illinois projects with the US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Durbin is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The Fiscal Year 2011 appropriations bill for Agriculture, Rural Development and FDA includes funding for the following Illinois projects and programs: • Biotechnology Research Development Center, … Continue Reading
June 25, 2010
Durbin Urges Federal Agencies to Accelerate Use of Effective Asian Carp Control Methods
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Following the discovery of a Bighead Asian Carp on the wrong side of the electric barrier six miles from Lake Michigan, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today urged four federal agencies that have been coordinating the implementation of the Obama Administration's Asian Carp Control Framework to step up their efforts and use all methods available to fight this invasive species, including the immediate use of fish poison in the area where the live Asian carp was found.Durbin … Continue Reading
June 24, 2010
Durbin Announces $520,000 in Funding for Pulaski Infrastructure Development
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has invested $520,000 in the Village of Pulaski, Illinois' Industrial Park Infrastructure project. This investment will fund roadway and other infrastructure improvements to serve the SISCO Regional Industrial Park located in Pulaski. The funding is expected save 32 jobs, create an additional 167 jobs and an additional $2 million in private … Continue Reading
March 24, 2010
Durbin Announces Nearly $23 Million in Recovery Act Funding for Southern Illinois Broadband
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the Department of Agriculture has awarded an $8,538,224 grant and a $14,230,375 loan through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to the Rural High Speed Ethernet Network - Southern Illinois project. The funding will be used to design, engineer, and construct 1,600 miles of fiber-optic broadband network in 24 southern Illinois counties, as well as acquire, test, and install … Continue Reading
March 18, 2010
Durbin Announces More than $15 Million in Recovery Act Funding for Rural Water Projects in Illinois
[WASHINGTON, D.C] - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $15,700,500 in loans and grants funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for four rural Illinois water system improvement projects. Today's announcement is part of a nationwide announcement of $159 million in funding for water and environmental projects that will help provide safe drinking water and protect the environment in … Continue Reading
March 09, 2010
Durbin, Costello: Time for Federal Government to Take Responsibility and Fully Assess Risk of Metro East Flood
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today called on the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Craig Fugate, and the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Jo-Ellen Darcy to produce information that led to the determination that levees in the Metro East area could not be certified. Both Fugate and Darcy pledged to investigate the recent lack of information, work with local officials to assemble an adequate amount … Continue Reading
February 26, 2010
Durbin Calls for Meeting with FEMA Administrator, Army Corps and Others to Discuss Incomplete Information on Illinois Levees
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - After receiving a response to his request, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called for a meeting with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Craig Fugate, and Assistant Secretary of the Army, Jo-Ellen Darcy, to discuss a lack of information that is necessary, according to FEMA, to certify five Illinois levees - Chain of Rocks, Fish Lake, MESD, Prairie Du Pont and Wood River. Once the information is complete, FEMA is … Continue Reading