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.

“Having well-maintained sewer systems in communities is essential,” said Belt. “Not only will this grant help repair the system in Cahokia Heights, but it will ultimately provide safer conditions all around such as less damages in the city and better public health.”

This grant will also fund a modification project for the wastewater collection system to improve efficiency and reliability to help prevent flood water from entering the sewer collection system during storms.

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