Belt secures nearly $10 million to update sewers in Cahokia Heights

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt joined Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to announce a $9.9 million investment to improve the sewer collection system in Cahokia Heights.

“Families who call Cahokia Heights home have dealt with persistent sewage and flooding issues in their homes, neighborhoods and community for decades,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “With this investment, I appreciate Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for acknowledging the importance and urgency of updating the sewage infrastructure and helping us address flooding concerns.”

Made possible through the Rebuild Illinois grant program, the $9.9 million is slated to be used to rehabilitate and replace approximately 35 lift stations, 5,800 feet of cured-in-place pipe liner and 3,500 feet of slip lining in the main trunk line.

Read more: Belt secures nearly $10 million to update sewers in Cahokia Heights

Turner celebrates jobs, economic growth coming to central Illinois through new Pawnee-based natural gas-fueled power plant

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is celebrating $1.5 billion in economic development and 700 jobs coming to central Illinois as the Illinois EPA gives the green light to build a new natural gas-fueled power plant in Pawnee.

“The Lincoln Land Energy Center will create good paying jobs right in our backyard,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “When we look at the realm of companies we hope move to central Illinois, those that will positively contribute to our society are at the top of the list – and that’s an attribute of EmberClear’s Lincoln Land Energy Center.”

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Metro East legislators working to address floods in East St. Louis

EAST ST. LOUIS – In response to record rainfall resulting in numerous families being displaced in East St. Louis, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea), State Rep. Latoya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis) and State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) are working with local, state and federal leaders to address public safety concerns and released the following statements:

“Flood waters pose a significant threat to a community’s health, safety and property,” said Rep. Hoffman. “Families in East St. Louis are at the forefront of our recovery efforts following last week’s historic rainfall.”

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Holmes: IEPA allocates $4 million to Aurora to replace lead service lines

AURORA – The City of Aurora will soon receive $4 million in funding to replace lead water service lines in parts of DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties, according to State Sen. Linda Holmes. As part of the Illinois EPA’s State Revolving Fund, the grant will support projects to improve drinking water, wastewater and storm water systems through a low-interest loan. The City will get 100% principal forgiveness for this loan.

“This is great news for our community and state, where we some of the most lead service lines in the nation,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Our families have been quite concerned about this threat and insistent that we find ways to eliminate the risk and provide safe, clean drinking water, and I’m pleased we will have these resources.”

Read more: Holmes: IEPA allocates $4 million to Aurora to replace lead service lines