PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - Mayors from along the Illinois River gathered in Peoria Thursday for the inaugural Illinois River Cities and Towns Initiative Conference.

Peoria’s Rita Ali and East Peoria’s John Kahl joined 15 other mayors to begin making the Illinois River a national and globally significant freshwater ecosystem for future generations.

Formed in 2024, the group aims to boost development along the river, sustain economies, and protect the waterway.

During the press conference, officials announced several new partnerships with other regional groups and initiatives. Included in those are the Great Lakes and St. Laurence River Initiative and the Mississippi River Cities and Town Initiative.

They hope through collaboration to increase tourism, allow for better freight on the r

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