VENICE: Budzinski Meets with Terminal Rail to Discuss Proposed Bi-State Projects in St. Louis Metro Area
Feb 20, 2025
Infrastructure
Press
VENICE, IL – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Wesley Bell (MO-01) met with the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis and Bi-State Development to discuss proposed bi-state infrastructure projects in the St. Louis Metro Area. These projects, which Congresswoman Budzinski has previously supported, have yet to receive the necessary funding to move forward.
This meeting comes at a critical time, as concerns mount over the Department of Transportation’s recent decision to pause infrastructure funding and introduce controversial new guidelines. These guidelines prioritize funding for communities with higher fertility and marriage rates, a shift that could significantly impact the Metro East region’s ability to secure essential infrastructure investments.
“Today’s meeting with Congressman Bell, Terminal Rail and Bi-State Development reaffirmed the role infrastructure investments play in fostering economic growth in the Metro East, as well as ensuring the safety of our roads, bridges, and railways,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “The need for these investments is widespread, yet the Trump Administration’s new guidelines prioritize future investments based on a community’s fertility and marriage rates—an approach that ignores safety and community needs. The idea that federal infrastructure funds should be allocated according to family structure is absurd. As we look ahead, I will continue fighting in Congress to safeguard the investments already promised and work with Congressman Bell to push for the infrastructure projects the Metro East urgently needs.”
“I have always said that the St. Louis region is a sleeping giant,” said Congressman Bell. “Bi-State projects are critical to enhancing the safety and efficiency of our rail and port infrastructure, while also ensuring that our communities will benefit from good paying jobs. I will continue to support transportation infrastructure projects that help the region grow.”
###
Share on
Recent Posts
Apr 29, 2025
Press
Budzinski Statement on Car Crash in Chatham
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement in response to the devastating car crash in Chatham, which claimed the lives of two 7-year-olds, an 8-year-old, and an 18-year-old. Six other children were hospitalized, one of whom remains in critical condition as of this morning. “The loss of these young lives is something no […]
Apr 29, 2025
Press
BUDZINSKI IN NEWS-GAZETTE OP-ED: WHEN FUNDING CUTS GO TOO FAR
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This morning, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) published an opinion piece in the News-Gazette in collaboration with Urbana Alderwoman Chaundra Bishop discussing the Trump Administration’s attempt to drastically reduce funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The piece highlights what these cuts mean for patients like Alderwoman Bishop, who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer […]
Apr 28, 2025
Press
Budzinski Celebrates Nationwide E15 Waiver
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency fuel waiver allowing the nationwide sale of E15 gasoline – gasoline blended with 15% ethanol – during the summer driving season. This action follows Budzinski and her bipartisan colleagues urging President Trump to grant the waiver. […]