HJ0027 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0027 LRB097 11453 GRL 53964 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Rock River, known for its beauty and ecological importance, flows south through Rockford, then southwest across northwestern Illinois, passing Oregon, Dixon, Sterling, and Rock Falls before joining the Mississippi River at Rock Island; and

WHEREAS, The Rock River provides opportunities for conservation and recreation for many residents of this State; and

WHEREAS, The Rock River has had an important role in Illinois history, and it attracts many tourists each year to such spots as the area in Dixon where former President Ronald Reagan once served as a lifeguard and his favorite fishing spot, now called "Dutch Landing", located just southwest of Lowell Park; and

WHEREAS, Designating the roads along the Illinois portion of the Rock River as a Scenic Route will encourage residents and visitors alike to explore, appreciate, and enjoy the many wonders of the Rock River; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that the Rock River Scenic Route is designated as follows:

(1) from the Illinois-Wisconsin State Line at Shirland Avenue, along South Bluff Road in Rockton Township to Rockton Road on County Highway 9;

(2) along Rockton Road from South Bluff Road to Race Street in Rockton;

(3) along Race Street from Rockton Road to Main Street in Rockton;

(4) along Main Street from Race Street to Hononegah Road (County Highway 8);

(5) along Hononegah Road from Main Street to Illinois Route 251;

(6) along Illinois Route 251 from Hononegah Road to State Street in Rockford;

(7) along State Street from Illinois 251 to Illinois Route 2;

(8) along Illinois Route 2 from State Street through the remainder of Winnebago County and through Ogle County into Lee County to Palmyra Road;

(9) along Palmyra Road from Illinois Route 2 (east) to Illinois Route 2 (west) in Whiteside County;

(10) along Illinois Route 2 through the remainder of Whiteside County into Rock Island County to 94th Avenue North (County Highway 2); and

(11) along 94th Avenue North from Illinois Route 2 to Illinois Route 84 (the Great River Road); and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State regulations, plaques or signs giving notice of the name; and be it further

RESOLVED, That units of local government that maintain any portion of the Rock River Scenic Route are urged to enhance suitable areas along the route; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the Illinois Bureau of Tourism are requested to post the Rock River Scenic Route's location on their Agency websites, and to produce and distribute brochures and other related matter that will make the route known to the public; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be delivered to the Illinois Secretary of Transportation, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, and to each of the local governments having jurisdiction over any portion of the route.