IL HJR0008

Designates roads along the Illinois portion of the Rock River Trail as the Rock River Trail Scenic and Historic Route, extending from the Illinois-Wisconsin state line at Shirland Avenue through Rockford, Dixon, Sterling, and Rock Falls to where the Rock River joins the Mississippi River at Rock Island.

Route consists of 47 specific road segments including Illinois Routes 2, 40, 78, 82, 84, 92, 251, US Routes 6, 30, and 67, plus numerous county roads and local streets in Winnebago, Ogle, Lee, Whiteside, and Rock Island counties.

Requests the Illinois Department of Transportation and local governments maintain portions of the route to erect plaques or signs designating it as a Scenic and Historic Route at suitable locations.

Directs the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and Illinois Office of Tourism to post the route's location on their websites and produce brochures and promotional materials to inform the public about the scenic and historic destination.

Acknowledges the Rock River's ecological importance, recreation and conservation opportunities, historical significance, and connections to former President Ronald Reagan's time as a lifeguard in Dixon.