EAST ALTON: Budzinski Presents $5.8 Million in Federal Funding for Metro East Water Infrastructure Projects

EAST ALTON, IL — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) presented a check for more than $5.8 million for water infrastructure projects in East Alton and Wood River. Budzinski secured the funding in the most recent government funding bill after submitting a request for the resources during the House of Representatives’ Community Project Funding process. In total, Budzinski secured $136.1 million for community projects throughout Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. 

“Everyone should be able to trust that the water coming out of their tap is clean and safe,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m thrilled to have secured more than $5.8 million in federal funding to upgrade the East Alton Water Treatment Facility and construct a detention pond to mitigate flooding in Wood River as part of my 2024 Community Project Funding priorities. Since my first day in Congress, I’ve been proud to work with the EPA, the Army Corps of Engineers and incredible local leaders to tackle the water quality and flooding issues that have plagued Metro East communities for far too long, and I’ll continue to push to make these critical infrastructure projects a reality.” 

Congresswoman Budzinski also met with the Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District where she received a status update on the Mel Price Project and Lock and Dam 25, as well as discussed the Maple Islands Boat Ramp, American Bottoms and the regional approach to flood mitigation. 

$5,000,000 for the East Alton Water Treatment Facility Upgrades: 

The funding, requested by Congresswoman Budzinski and Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, will be used by the Village of East Alton to help bring the East Alton Water Treatment Plant up to current Environmental Protection Agency standards and increase its capacity from 3MGD to 4.5 MGD. This will help the city meet the demands of industrial and residential customers and ensure that microbiological contaminants stay out of the water.

$850,000 for Wood River’s 9th Street Detention Pond:

The funding will be used by the City of Wood River to construct a detention pond, which will lower the base flood elevation in a populated area of the city, promoting property values and providing for future growth and expansion in an undeveloped area.

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