JOLIET – Following IDOT’s decision to allow Route 53 access for the three warehouses that NorthPoint has built, State Senator Rachel Ventura released the following statement:

“I am vehemently opposed to the decision to allow Northpoint access to Route 53. For years, residents across the district have strongly been against this project due to environmental and health concerns as well as the significant increased traffic that would come to an area that has already been burdened with increased trucking over the years.

“This decision directly impacts residents’ daily lives. I have reached out to IDOT to better understand why and how this decision was made despite my letter last month asking to deny the project’s request to gain permanent access to Route 53. I have scheduled time with IDOT for a further conversation on this matter and other matters impacting our region.

“We cannot continue to put profits over people and disregard the thousands of residents who have voiced their concerns for years. I will continue to echo my constituents’ concerns on NorthPoint.”

JOLIET – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Rachel Ventura, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of $233.5 million in road and bridge improvement projects coming to the area.

“Transportation infrastructure is essential to our community as we are a critical juncture for not just Illinois but the country,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Joliet is a major transportation hub in Illinois, and much needed investments in our roads is crucial to improving the area.”

ROMEOVILLE – State Senator Rachel Ventura recently announced that Valley View Community Unit School District 365U received a $40,000 grant to allow it to expand arts or foreign language classes.

“Whether it be for aid in teacher planning or professional development, I am pleased to see efforts in funding local schools districts like Valley View,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “I commend the Illinois Art Council and Illinois State Board of Education for putting a focus on such an important program that will give thousands of students a better school experience and make memories for a lifetime.”

Valley View School District 365U serves students from Bolingbrook, Romeoville and portions of Plainfield, Lockport and Downers Grove, and serves the educational needs of approximately 18,000 students in 21 educational facilities.

JOLIET – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Rachel Ventura is hosting a Summer Book Club.

“Reading keeps students engaged throughout the summer. I encourage students of all ages will take advantage of this program to make reading a habit and be rewarded for it,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This is a great way to keep kids actively learning. Developing a love of reading at a young age is key to a child's development and to increase their desire to read.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form and return the form to Senator Ventura’s office by Aug. 16.

Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card for a frozen treat from a local ice cream shop from Senator Ventura.

Ventura encourages residents of the 43rd District to participate in the program and visit their local library. Summer Book Club forms will soon be available at the following participating libraries:

• Woodridge Public Library
• Fountaindale Public Library District
• Joliet Public Library District
• Three Rivers Public Library District
• Manhattan-Elwood Public Library
• White Oak Library District
• Shorewood-Troy Public Library

Summer Book Club forms are also available to download at SenatorVentura.com as well as contact information for the libraries. People with questions can reach out to Ventura’s office at (331) 290-0443.