Bill
SB 1496
Appropriates $19M from Build Illinois Bond Fund to DNR for urgent capital repairs at New Salem State Historic Site, including Grist Mill, lighting, fencing; emergency preservation.
Status
- Sponsor: Sen. Steve McClure
- Passed both chambers and signed by the Governor (signed: July 1, 2025).
- Effective date: July 1, 2025.
- Companion bill: HB 3241.
Purpose
- To appropriate funds from the Build Illinois Bond Fund to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for capital improvements and urgent repairs at the New Salem State Historic Site (a historic/tourism site).
Key provisions
- Appropriation: The bill (as amended by Senate Amendment 001) appropriates $19,000,000 (or so much as may be necessary) from the Build Illinois Bond Fund to the Department of Natural Resources for capital improvements at the New Salem State Historic Site.
- Authorized uses: The funds are directed for projects that include:
- Reconstruction of the Grist Mill at New Salem;
- Repair and maintenance of site structures and perimeter fencing;
- Illumination of outdoor statues and flags on the site;
- Repair of the Wagon Wheel structure at the site's entrance.
- Findings / emergency language: The amendment contains legislative findings that the site has fallen into severe disrepair creating safety hazards and that immediate renovations are necessary for preservation, education, tourism, and local economic development. The amendment describes the measure as an emergency measure necessary for immediate preservation (the statutory effective date remains July 1, 2025).
- Funding source: Build Illinois Bond Fund (bond-funded capital appropriation).
Who and what is affected
- Department of Natural Resources: recipient and implementer of the capital projects.
- New Salem State Historic Site: will receive capital repairs and improvements to buildings, features, lighting, fencing, and the Grist Mill reconstruction.
- Local community, visitors, educators, and tourism/economic stakeholders: expected beneficiaries through preservation of the historic site, improved safety and access, and potential tourism/economic activity.
- Contractors and preservation specialists: potential recipients of procurement and construction contracts funded by the appropriation.
Procedural / fiscal notes
- Earlier synopsis of the bill listed a $5,000,000 appropriation; Senate Amendment increased the appropriation to $19,000,000 and added findings/emergency rationale.
- Funding is bond‑funded (Build Illinois Bond Fund), so the appropriation increases capital spending financed by state bonds; associated debt service obligations will follow standard state budgeting and debt repayment processes.
- The bill authorizes DNR capital work but does not specify detailed project schedules or contracting rules beyond normal DNR authority and state procurement laws.
Implications
- Provides substantial capital investment to preserve and restore a state historic asset and to address immediate safety and structural concerns.
- Short‑term fiscal impact is the bridge to bond proceeds from the Build Illinois Bond Fund and the longer‑term debt service cost associated with bond financing.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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