Carbondale Reporter

Legislation Allowing Transfer of West Frankfort Armory Property to City Becomes Law

SPRINGFIELD, IL – A new law facilitating the transfer of the West Frankfort Armory property to the city has been signed into law, thanks to legislation sponsored by a delegation of Southern Illinois lawmakers.

House Bill 1672 allows the Department of Military Affairs to transfer the property and building known as the Armory Building in West Frankfort to the City once it is vacated and operations move to Marion.

House Republican Floor Leader State Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) expressed his gratitude to his legislative colleagues and local leaders who helped craft and advocate for the passing of the legislation.

“With this legislation, the City of West Frankfort will acquire the armory and be able to make the best use of the property, potentially as a civic center. I am happy to have worked with my fellow Southern Illinois legislators to earn unanimous support for this initiative,” Windhorst said. “I will continue to represent the best interests of the citizens of West Frankfort and all of the cities and villages in the 117th district.”

State Representative Patrick Windhorst joined with State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) and fellow Southern Illinois Republican legislators Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) and State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) to earn unanimous support for the proposal when it came before the House and Senate earlier this year.

State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) was the Chief Sponsor of the legislation in the Illinois Senate. Fowler says this legislation will breathe new life into the soon-to-be-vacated facility.

“This legislation was intended to revitalize the facility and provide West Frankfort with a valuable resource for community,” said Sen. Fowler. “With this transfer, Armory can be repurposed to meet local needs and drive community development.”

State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) says he previously worked on this issue when he was 117th district State Representative. Severin joined Windhorst as a chief co-sponsor on measure.

“I want thank Rep. Windhorst all my House Senate colleagues recognizing need for this legislation, I want congratulate city West Frankfort their efforts lobby their lawmakers achieve transfer,” Severin said. “This law gives control back local government entity reflects collaborative effort assist Franklin County, county that represented two state representatives two state senators.”

Sen. Bryant, who represents northern portions Franklin County, supported measure Senate.

“This legislation grants City West Frankfort pivotal opportunity repurpose transform Armory property crucial asset future generations,” said Sen. Bryant. “I am grateful my colleagues cooperation efforts make transfer possible, I look forward seeing positive changes bring West Frankfort.”

House Bill 1672 passed both House Senate unanimously earlier year signed into law July 19.

---