Central Illinois Prepares for President Obama

WMBD/WYZZ TV – PEORIA -- The president is coming to town and it's the third presidential visit in about two years for Central Illinois. Several area agencies have confirmed they're preparing for President Obama's visit. While an exact cost has not been laid out, the last presidential visit came with a quite a price tag.

Recently, when President George W. Bush came to Peoria for a political fundraiser, it nearly cost tax payers $38,000. That is, until Congressman Aaron Schock paid it back. After that incident council proposed, but never passed, guidelines on how Peorian's would be reimbursed for a presidential visit.

"It's important they feel they can come without this issue about being reimbursed."

Councilman Patrick Nichting says security is in the police budget, and says residents will ultimately benefit from a presidential visit because Obama plans to visit with Caterpillar executives.

Nichting says, "If Caterpillar can outline to the president important certain things he needs to accomplish as president to help facilitate growth at cat, that benefits all of us and in the long run we all benefit from that."

Caterpillar representatives say the president will sit down and talk about the stimulus package he's trying to get hammered out. If they get funding, they could see benefits as soon as 2009.  

Other, agencies through out Peoria are also preparing for Obama's visit. OSF Saint Francis Medical Center's Emergency Room has been prepped by the secret service and will be on stand by in case of an emergency.

Dr. George Hevesy says, "As a level one trauma center, we've been involved with every presidential and high dignitary in the region."

Peoria County Sheriff's Department also confirmed they'll help with Thursday's security. White House officials still haven't released any specific details about President Obama's visit.