GOLCONDA, Ill (WSIL) -- Illinois State Senator Dale Fowler showed off some changes at the Golconda Marina Tuesday afternoon, changes that are already turning around the economy.
An initiative that has been in the works by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is bringing life back to the Golconda Marina that was in desperate need of repair.
"The marina had been neglected for several years, had a lot to do with the budget the budget impasse and this administration has taken a lot of initiative for our state parks especially here in ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois to make the improvements," said Illinois Republican State Senator Dale Fowler.
Workers overtime have replaced docks, decks and installed new lighting and gutters.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources just purchased a new dredger so they have been able to dredge out the channel so the big boats can come in and buy fuel," said Senator Fowler.
Which ultimately means tourists are spending money and helping the local economy.
"There also coming in and patronizing our local restaurants and as far as us, my husband, boaters are able to come in here and if they are broke down or if they need some supplies then they are able to get into the marina and get here and the needed supplies so that they can go and get back on the river," said business owner Susan Kunath.
"There are so many more people coming in now, bringing in their boats. They had to go to Kentucky as an example or other areas of ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois to launch their boats. So now they are able to utilize the marina again which they always loved to use in their past but always had to use an alternative measures to go on there boating excursions," said Senator Fowler.
A lot of renovations at the marina and the senator said with many more still on the way.
Senator Fowler also showed News 3 the improvements made to the Rauchfuss Hill State Recreation Area located just a mile north of Golconda.
This area has been closed nearly 10 years.
Senator Fowler said, there's an initiative underway, and with it, there has been some clearing and new picnic tables put in. He said they are even hiring more staff to maintain the park.
The area borders Lusk Creek and consists of 261 acres including 70 acres for bow-hunting hunting deer and turkey.
