Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) met with local stakeholders to highlight Congressional Republicans’ refusal to include funding for local projects in the most recent funding package. The discussion focused on the impacts of delaying funding for projects previously selected for Congressional Community Project Funding awards – including loss of community benefits, longer project timelines, and higher prices.
In March, Congressional Republicans passed a Continuing Resolution that excluded vital projects previously approved by the House Committee on Appropriations, including $67,351,600 for 15 projects inBudzinski’s district. These projects would help reduce sewage overflows in Cahokia Heights, improve public transportation in Champaign, replace inefficient service lines in Harristown, and more.
“This roundtable gave me the opportunity to hear directly from people across our district – from here in Granite City to Champaign – who have been awaiting critical funding to address a wide array of issues in their community. This funding will go to ensure safer drinking water, cleaner neighborhoods, more reliable transportation, and a better quality of life for their families,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “Now, these projects will face even more delays and uncertainty because my Republican colleagues refused to include this funding in the Continuing Resolution. We will keep fighting to bring home every dollar Central and Southern Illinoisans have been promised.”
“Waterways Council and its members applaud Rep. Budzinski for her leadership in ensuring Congress’ role in infrastructure investment like the Navigation-Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP). NESP improves efficiency of transporting commodities by barge, already the lowest-carbon footprint of surface transportation modes. NESP also addresses riverine and riparian habitat improvements to ensure the health of the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers for future generations,” said Paul Rohde, Vice President of the Waterways Council.
“At TASC, our dedicated staff work tirelessly to help clients break down barriers, find recovery, and reshape their lives. These efforts rely on a delicate patchwork of federal, state, and private funding. When even one funding stream is delayed or uncertain, TASC’s comprehensive array of services is in danger of falling apart – and it’s our clients, their families, and their communities who ultimately pay the price,” said Rebecca Levin, Vice President of Policy at Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities.
“Our Village has experienced a lot of problems with our water distribution system. This system was installed over 50 years ago. While that may not be as long as some systems, all of our water service lines are plastic and we have experienced a substantial number of breaks in these lines. However, funding for this program, and many others, is on hold due to the federal government’s inability to move forward. We fully support the Congresswoman’s effort, time and diligence to secure this needed funding for not only our Village but for so many other Communities,” said Mayor Evelyn Deverell, Village of Harristown.
“Cahokia Heights has made significant progress in planning and implementing much-needed infrastructure improvements, relying heavily on the BRIC funding to provide the necessary resources for these projects. Without this funding, we risk losing crucial momentum, leaving our residents vulnerable to repeated flooding, environmental hazards, and unacceptable living conditions. These issues are not just inconveniences; they are public health and safety emergencies that demand immediate and sustained attention. The people of Cahokia Heights should not be left to suffer due to political or administrative decisions beyond their control,” said Mayor Curtis McCall Sr., City of Cahokia Heights.
