Southern Illinois News

Illinois state Sen. Dale Fowler is making it a point of keeping residents abreast of developments related to the off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail system.

“Update on the off-highway vehicle trial system at Sahara Woods state Fish and Wildlife Area,” Fowler posted on Facebook. “Currently, the IDNR is waiting for $1.3 million in funding from the Federal Highway administration before the project can go out for bid.”  

Fowler likewise made certain to leave residents with a sense of hope.

“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,” he added.

Among the work Fowler listed as already completed includes the clearing of 26 miles of trails, the installation of $100,000 worth of culverts throughout the trails and maintenance projects that include keeping trails clear of debris and from becoming overgrown again with woody vegetation.

In  May, Fowler had taken a ride and celebrated the opening of the bike  trails system at the Touch of Nature Environment Center. according to the Carbondale Reporter.

Fowler also recently sponsored a bill that seeks to better protect Illinois’ first responders while on the road carrying out their duties, Southern Illinois News reported.

“The last thing they should have to worry about are distracted, speeding or irresponsible drivers,” Fowler posted on Facebook after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed off on the measure to turn it into law. “The legislation signed today is about strengthening an already existing law to safeguard our law enforcement and emergency personnel as they work to care for and help those in their communities.”

Senate Bill 1913 adds penalties to so-called “Scott's Law” legislation requiring motorists to slow their vehicles, change lanes if possible, and proceed with caution when they are approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights on.

According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office website, Scott’s Law is named after fallen Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Scott Gillen, who was struck and killed by a speeding motorist more than two decades ago at the age of 37 after responding to an early morning accident on the Bishop Ford Freeway.

Currently, violators are assessed a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense and up to $10,000 for a second offense. The new bill signed by the governor paves the way for a judge to order community service for violators in addition to fines.

And earlier this year, Fowler hosted the annual Youth Advisory Council event for high schools across the district, North Egypt News reported, with the goal of helping students learn about leadership, state government and public policy.