SE Illinois News

The Illinois House and Senate have unanimously passed legislation that will enable the Department of Military Affairs to transfer the Armory Building in West Frankfort to the city once it is vacated. The initiative was championed by Southern Illinois’ Republican legislative delegation, including State Representative Patrick Windhorst, State Senator Dale Fowler, Senator Terri Bryant, and State Representative Dave Severin.

Windhorst noted that such transfers have been commonplace as the Department of Defense and the Department of Military Affairs consolidate local armories. He said, “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."

Severin, who had previously worked on this issue when he was the 117th district State Representative, joined Windhorst as a chief co-sponsor on the measure. He expressed gratitude for his colleagues' recognition of the need for this legislation and congratulated West Frankfort for their lobbying efforts.

Fowler, who served as Chief Sponsor of the legislation in the Illinois Senate, said that they hope to "breathe new life into this facility and empower the city of West Frankfort to make great use of the property and land."

State Senator Terri Bryant echoed these sentiments: “Now, the city will have the power to utilize this valuable infrastructure for residents in the area.”

West Frankfort Mayor Tim Arview expressed gratitude towards Representatives Windhorst and Fowler for their advocacy. He said that acquiring the National Guard Armory presents an opportunity to enhance city infrastructure and better serve residents' needs.

House Bill 1672 passed both chambers unanimously — first in April in House and then in May in Senate. It now awaits Governor JB Pritzker's consideration.