Rep. Kelly Secures $4.1 Million in Federal Funds for Roof Repairs of David Bradley Building

Bradley, Ill. — U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly joined local elected officials and the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County today at the David Bradley campus in Bradley, Illinois to celebrate the repaired roof of the historic building.

In 2024, Rep. Kelly secured $4.1 million in federal funds to repair the roof of the 130-year-old historic building.

“I am proud to have brought home over $4 million to maintain the Bradley Building’s historical importance,” said Rep. Kelly. “It was the largest grant that I secured in 2024 because I saw it as a priority for Kankakee County’s economy and our community. Due to the collaborative efforts of the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County and several local municipalities, this building will continue to serve as a manufacturing hub for the region, housing six companies and 150 employees.”

“Thanks to the Community Project Funding secured by Representative Robin Kelly, this investment ensures that the David Bradley Industrial Park remains a viable and competitive home for manufacturing in our region,” said Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis, who is also the Area Jobs Development Association Board Chairman. “By addressing the long-needed roof repairs and stabilization of the facility, we are protecting jobs, supporting business expansion, and positioning this historic incubator for long-term success. Congresswoman Kelly’s commitment to our region has strengthened our local economy and, most importantly, reinforced our commitment to supporting the employers and workers who call our community home.”

“The 1982 gift of this building to the Area Jobs Development Association was a pivotal step in securing jobs and fostering economic growth in Kankakee County at a time when our community needed it most,” said Jeff Bennett, Chairman of the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County. “Today, with the support of Representative Robin Kelly and her staff, we have strengthened this site to position it for long-term growth and investment. This progress would not be possible without the strong public-private partnerships that continue to drive economic development in our region. The funding generated through this facility remains instrumental in creating new opportunities for the community.”

“Thank you to Congresswoman Robin Kelly for making Bradley’s slogan, ‘Proud of the Past, Focused on the Future,’ a reality by enabling the $4.1 million Community Funding Project for the Bradley Roper Building,” said Bradley Mayor Mike Watson.

The David Bradley Industrial Park, dating back to 1895, includes several historic buildings that now house six companies with a total of 150 employees. The companies manufacture a variety of products, including snowplows (Arctic Snow), freezer paper and food wrap (By-Pak, Inc.), and 55-gallon drums (Greif).