Carbondale Reporter

Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) recently posted to Facebook news on upgrades being made to the Sahara Woods State Fish and Wildlife Area

“Currently the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is waiting for $1.3 million in funding from the Federal Highway Administration before the project can go out for bid,” Fowler posted on Facebook. “However, the IDNR officials I spoke with said they are cautiously optimistic that the OHV site will be ready for riders in the spring of 2023! Work already completed: The clearing of 26 miles of trails for the project. The installation of $100,000 worth of culverts throughout the trails. Maintenance projects, including keeping trails clear of debris and from overgrowing back with woody vegetation. Design work for two separate Phase 1 projects; ready to bid immediately once federal funds are in hand. Utilities are being worked on with Carrier Mills and planning for electrical and fiber optics is underway.”

He said the IDNR told him the project is moving forward.

“I have been in constant contact with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources since this project was announced back in 2017 during the Rauner Administration,” Fowler said in a press release. “IDNR has assured me this project is still moving forward, and while there has been sort of a delay with funding sources, I look forward to seeing the construction move forward.”

There have been efforts done toward the trail. For example, there was an installation of $100,000 worth of culverts throughout the trails.

“The first phase of this project will include critical amenities like a service building where the public can use the restroom and the infrastructure to support this building,” Fowler said in a release. “It is multi-million dollar investments into this region that will continue to put southern Illinois on the map as a vacation destination and help our local communities thrive.”

In May, Sen. Fowler celebrated the opening of the bike trails system at the Touch of Nature Environment Center, the Carbondale Reporter reported.

 In August, Fowler sponsored a bill to protect first responders. Senate Bill 1913 adds a penalty for motorists who don't slow down, or change lanes when approaching activity by first responders. Violators have assessed a fine of between $250 and $1,000 for their first offense, and between $750 and $10,000 for their second offense, Southern Illinois News reported.

 In April, Fowler hosted a Youth Advisory Council event in the 59th District, North Egypt News reported.