State Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., D-Elwood, led a bipartisan group of legislators in a visit to the Old Joliet Prison, where lawmakers worked with Joliet Historical Museum on plans to enhance the historical site.

“The Old Joliet Prison has been a fixture of our area for decades. This historic investment in the upkeep of the prison will undoubtedly lead to more tourists and economic opportunity for the City of Joliet and the surrounding communities,” Walsh said. “I am proud to have secured this funding and I am eager to see the improvements the Joliet Historical Museum plans to make for this important piece of local history.”

Walsh secured $3.5 million in the FY 23 budget for the physical stabilization of the Old Joliet Prison. The Joliet Historical Museum plans on restoring the site building out plans for future utilization of the grounds. The City of Joliet honored Walsh with the 2022 Annual Historic Preservation Award in recognition of his advocacy efforts in securing funding for the historical site.