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Village of Loami to Receive $600,000.00 State Grant

12/19/2024

Village of Loami to Receive $600,000.00 State Grant for Local Park Development

Village of Loami receives Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant for developing public parks and outdoor recreational space

Loami, Illinois – Village of Loami today announced that it has been selected to receive a $600,000.00 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the State of Illinois. This project will improve the reservoir area with greater access, new recreational equipment, and accessibility options for all to enjoy.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) awarded a total of $55.2 million to 100 communities for local park development projects as part of the latest round of OSLAD grants. “Since I became Governor, it’s been my mission to build stronger, healthier communities across Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Through the OSLAD program, we’re bringing that vision to life by awarding over $55.2 million to local park projects, expanding green spaces and creating new recreational opportunities for all.”

Established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It’s become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $640 million for park projects throughout Illinois (including the awards announced today).

Mayor Steven Lambert expressed his gratitude to many people who made this achievement possible: “This grant is the result of hard work, collaboration, and community dedication. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Benton and Associates for their outstanding assistance throughout this process, to our dedicated Village Board members, and to the Village staff whose hard work and commitment make projects like this a reality. I also want to thank the residents who have volunteered their time and effort to improve the reservoir and our parks, as well as the broader community supporters who continue to invest in Loami’s future. This grant represents not just an investment in our parks, but in the families, children, and individuals who call Loami home.”

The OSLAD grant funding will be used to continue improving the reservoir area with new amenities, including fishing piers, a pavilion, swing sets, and a walking path. Additionally, parking will be improved and erosion control will be conducted to help preserve the space for future generations.

 

For More information, please contact:

The Village of Loami

Phone: 217-624-3111

Email: loamiil@outlook.com