{"id":5211,"date":"2025-03-19T14:11:12","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T19:11:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thexradio3.com\/news\/?p=5211"},"modified":"2025-03-19T14:12:29","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T19:12:29","slug":"funds-being-released-for-improvements-at-new-salem-state-historic-site","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thexradio.com\/news\/local-news\/5211-funds-being-released-for-improvements-at-new-salem-state-historic-site\/","title":{"rendered":"Funds Being Released for Improvements at New Salem State Historic Site"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"image_print\"Print<\/span><\/a><\/div>

(McCLURE)<\/p>\n

The New Salem State Historic Site is now slated to receive an infusion of funding to perform major repairs, following the work of State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield), Representative Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville), and members of the Lincoln League volunteer organization to draw attention to the condition of the site.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am proud that our work secured funding to make desperately needed repairs at the site,\u201d said Senator McClure. \u201cThis is an important step toward restoring what is one of the most important historic sites in the country. People come from around the world to tour the Lincoln sites in our great state and this will help us to showcase the site where President Lincoln began his career in public service.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to thank the Department of Natural Resources and the Capital Development Board for prioritizing funding to make desperately needed repairs,\u201d said Representative Rosenthal. \u201cThe funding provided ensures that future generations will be able to experience the place where Abraham Lincoln lived, learned, and became one of our nation\u2019s greatest leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) Wednesday jointly announced $8 million in funding for repairs at the site. According to the agencies, the funding will be used to make repairs to up to 23 log buildings, as well as updates for the outdoor theater.<\/p>\n

The announcement follows recent press conferences and media tours put together by McClure, Rosenthal, and the Lincoln League to raise awareness of the conditions of many of the structures on the site, including collapsed roofs, structural issues, and a failing elevated pedestrian walkway.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday\u2019s funding announcement of $8 million in state capital funding for Lincoln\u2019s New Salem State Historic Site is greatly appreciated and sorely needed,\u201d said Gina Gillmore-Wolter, President of the New Salem Lincoln League representing volunteers committed for decades to preserving the historic legacy of the site near Springfield where Lincoln spent formative years as a young adult. \u201cWe sincerely thank Gov. Pritzker\u2019s Administration, IDNR, CDB and the tireless commitment of champions in the Legislature Sen. Steve McClure and Rep. Wayne Rosenthal, who represent the New Salem site, for working to address the urgent infrastructure issues at this site. We have called clearly and loudly for help, and we believe this announcement shows those calls have been heard. We need now to work with the Administration to ensure the funds can be released quickly so repairs can be made before more damage is done to the homes and buildings at New Salem. We will also work closely with Sen. McClure, Rep. Rosenthal and the Legislature on the best path forward for our legislative package to address the needs at the site today, tomorrow, and for many generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

McClure and Rosenthal are also working to pass legislation designed to help preserve the long-term sustainability of the site.<\/p>\n