Hennepin Canal work near Rock Falls lands $10.2M state grant

SPRINGFIELD – Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park is among five Illinois Department of Natural Resources areas receiving grant funds for deferred maintenance projects.

Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park will receive $10.2 million to plan and repair Lock 33 near Rock Falls, ensuring structural integrity and operational capacity while preserving its historic status, according to a news release issued Friday.

According to an announcement from the Capital Development Board, the $10 million is part of more than $60 million that will be awarded to address deferred maintenance projects. The funding comes from Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital plan.

“Through Rebuild Illinois, we are making meaningful investments in communities across the state so that Illinoisans – no matter their Zip code – benefit from our state’s progress,” Pritzker said. “Today, I am pleased to announce over $60 million in funding for vital community projects, which will help improve IDNR facilities and parks, drive economic growth and improve the lives of residents in Illinois’ rural communities.”

The projects aim to address essential repairs, including water and wastewater systems, trail and bridge replacements, and site preservation efforts. State parks, such as Starved Rock and Lake Murphysboro, will see improvements that will provide recreational and educational benefits to the public. The four other projects are:

• Starved Rock State Park, LaSalle County: More than $33.8 million will be allocated across two projects at the park to upgrade trails, replace deteriorated facilities and construct a new wastewater system to protect natural resources and public health.

• Lake Murphysboro State Park, Jackson County: A total of $4.1 million will be invested in upgrades to sewage treatment and campground electrical systems, ensuring compliance with environmental and accessibility standards.

• Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site, Sangamon County: $6.6 million will restore and repair historic elements of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed site, including water management systems, roofing and security upgrades. An additional $750,000 will be dedicated to improvements to the historic white cottage on the site.

• Volo Bog Natural Area, Lake County: $5.1 million will allow for completely replacing the existing boardwalk and floating trail, upgrading the existing paths and improving accessibility throughout the site. Additionally, the scope of work includes replacing the observation platform for the “Eye of the Bog” scenic overlook.

“By investing in these projects, we are not only supporting economic growth in several rural areas but also ensuring our state parks and historic sites remain accessible for years to come,” CDB Executive Director TJ Edwards said. “These projects are a testament to our commitment to Illinois’ residents and the natural beauty of our state.”

The CDB will oversee the renovations in accordance with the protocol for state-appropriated construction projects.