WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13)testified before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to request additional support to address the longstanding flooding and sewage crisis in Cahokia Heights. Budzinski’s request was submitted for consideration during reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act. 

VIDEO: Budzinski Requests Additional Support to Address Cahokia Heights Crisis

VIDEO: Budzinski Requests Additional Support to Address Cahokia Heights Crisis

“As a Representative for Central and Southern Illinois, I have the honor of serving communities outside of St. Louis in the Metro East region – communities that have struggled with the consequences of inadequate infrastructure for far too long,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “In Cahokia Heights, local residents have been dealing with a flooding, sewage and drinking water crisis for decades – eroding home values and putting folks’ health and safety at risk. I was proud to secure an EPA Coordinator to help us resolve this issue, and the Army Corps of Engineers has worked collaboratively with the State of Illinois to address this in the past. But our work is not done. And that’s why I am requesting additional support in our next Water Resources Development Act.”

In her written testimony, Congresswoman Budzinski asked the committee to increase the US Army Corps of Engineers response funding cap from $100 million to $200 million. She also requested that the Army Corps be given the authority to address stormwater management issues to improve response to the crisis. 

Budzinski also requested a feasibility study to determine if the Spring Lake Project can be moved from the Planning Phase to the Preconstruction Engineering Design Phase. The project was recommended in the East St. Louis and Vicinity Ecosystem Restoration and Flood Damage Reduction Project Report to help communities with flood resilience and protect homes. 

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