Foster Gets Green Light For $900K To Help Fund Riverwalk Improvements

NAPERVILLE, IL — Rep. Bill Foster (D, IL-11) recently got approval for federal funding of more than $25 million in community projects, including $900,000 to help make the Naperville Riverwalk's Eagle Street Gateway more accessible.

The 15 projects were presented as part of a year-end omnibus spending bill for the 2023 fiscal year. The bill recently passed the House of Representatives and the Senate.

“I’m proud that we were able to deliver this important funding to the 11th District,” Foster said in a statement.

He added, “One of my constant priorities as Representative of the 11th District of Illinois is making sure our communities receive their fair share of federal resources, especially for important projects that serve so many people. We received many worthwhile submissions, and it was difficult to narrow it down to 15, but I am proud of the projects we selected and can’t wait to see them come to fruition."

The $900,000 will be awarded to the City of Naperville for the project, which is part of the city's 2031 master plan for the Riverwalk. The master plan outlines six capital projects, including one that aims to "increase visitor safety, accessibility and hospitality."

Plans that Foster's approved funding will help make possible include improving circulation from the Eagle Street Gateway to make it possible for visitors with mobility challenges to get to and from the Riverwalk via the gateway.

Other projects included in Foster's request will benefit the Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity in Montgomery, VNA Health Care in Aurora, the Route 53 bike path in Joliet and other initiatives throughout the area.