Illinois Valley Times

A controversial bill that would provide funding for a proposed natural gas pipeline in the village of Hopkins Park in the Pembroke Township may soon be written into law.

Supporters of House Bill 3404 say that the bill will create jobs, boost the local economy and improve energy access for the community, reported WTTW News. State Rep. Jackie Haas sponsored the bill and said that "lawmakers on both sides of the aisle overwhelmingly supported" HB 3404. 

"Energy access in this community is long overdue. It's time for Gov. Pritzker to sign House Bill 3404," Haas wrote in a June 16 Facebook post.

Opponents of the bill have raised concerns about the environmental impact of the pipeline on the community, an area rich with black American history, WTTW News reported.

“When we talk about what we know about conserving the land, we are talking about a culture that is looking to continue its traditions: it’s the longest continuously occupied African-founded town in the state of Illinois, an underground railroad stronghold, a leading black farming stronghold in the country,” Naomi Davis, the founder and president of Blacks in Green, told WTTW News.

Davis went on to add that she is doubtful that the pipeline will have any economic benefit for the area because the area is still lacking in basic infrastructure, including broadband Internet service and a fire department.

The bill now heads to Gov J.B. Pritzker's desk for final approval and signature.