The following projects serving Kane County residents were awarded federal dollars under the Community Project Funding program. These projects are requested directly by members of Congress for the benefit of the communities they represent. The selection process entails stringent eligibility, ethics, and transparent guardrails, and is only available to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as some non-profits.
Second Fire Station for the Village of Hampshire
- Amount: $1,000,000
- Recipient: Hampshire Fire Protection District
- Purpose: With the current fire station hindered by railroad traffic, this funding will build a second fire station for the Hampshire community, significantly improving emergency response times and increasing the station's capacity to serve the growing community.
City of Aurora Emergency Operations Center
- Amount: $1,425,000
- Recipient: City of Aurora
- Purpose: The funding will be used to construct a new Emergency Operations Center with updated software, IT security, and equipment, enhancing Aurora's ability to respond to emergencies.
City of Batavia Fox River Bike Path
- Amount: $8,166,000
- Recipient: City of Batavia
- Purpose: The funding will be used to construct a new segment of the Fox River Regional Trail, featuring improved safety and guidance. This project supports the trail's role as an economic driver by providing outdoor recreational opportunities for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
Eola Road Branch Library Renovation
- Amount: $8,200,000
- Recipient: Aurora Public Library District
- Purpose: The funding will renovate the Eola Road Branch, the busiest location of the Aurora Public Library District. The project will expand and improve accessibility to address diverse community needs, including technology access, language services, meeting rooms, educational programming, and after-school activities.
Equipping the Kane County Forensic Laboratory
- Amount: $2,681,000
- Recipient: Kane County Coroner’s Office
- Purpose: The funding will purchase post-mortem toxicology testing equipment, validate DNA equipment, and implement a laboratory information management system. This project will generate leads in criminal investigations, streamline the process of obtaining information for court cases, and help determine causes of death for grieving families.
City of Aurora Homelessness Prevention
Amount: $1,968,750
Recipient: City of Aurora
Purpose: The funding will be used to renovate the existing Family Shelter space or acquire an expansion property to increase shelter and services for Aurora’s unhoused community.
Source / Media Release from the Office of Congressman Bill Foster
