SPRINGFIELD – Environmental Protection Agency officials have stalled sewer improvements in Cahokia Heights and haven’t explained why, except to say questions were raised.
The EPA and the city signed an agreement for a $9,980,750.67 grant last July and the agency agreed to deliver a fourth of it up front.
As of Jan. 24 the EPA hadn’t delivered a penny.
EPA spokesperson Kim Biggs stated in an email that counsel is reviewing the grant because questions were raised.
A second grant that Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced while campaigning last August has apparently raised questions, too.
The EPA website has no information on it except Pritzker’s press release.
Rep. Kevin Schmitt of Millstadt asked Pritzker to explain the lack of progress on Jan. 17 and Pritzker hadn’t answered as of Jan. 24.
“I have not heard a response from J.B.,” Schmitt said.
He said that it’s been six months since Pritzker promised to help, and “the streets are still flooding with sewage.”
“Addressing these issues cannot wait,” Schmitt said. “The Governor promised to send the money right away, but the funds still have not been released. The people of Cahokia Heights thought they were well on their way to getting the help they needed. Was this yet another hollow election year promise or is the Governor really going to deliver on the funds he promised Cahokia Heights? He made a promise and it is time for him to keep it.”
Schmitt’s spokesperson Travis Akin added, “We have gotten no indication from anyone that there are question marks.”
“If there are question marks, tell us,” Akin said.
Pritzker’s press release announced $21 million but didn’t indicate whether the July grant counted toward that figure.
The agreement on the July grant authorized $5,984,000 for pump station rehabilitation, $1,667,200 for sewer repairs, and $712,300 for sewer lining.
It authorized $1,254,525 for professional services, $250,000 for equipment, and $112,725.67 for contract services.
“The majority of the construction activities shall be installed within the first 24 months of the project, unless otherwise approved by the grantor,” it stated.
It stated the city would complete implementation by May 30, 2025.
The agreement also stated that if construction hasn’t begun by this June 1, the city must immediately discontinue all work or request an extension.
It set last Nov. 15 as a deadline for adopting a construction activity strategy and an outreach program strategy.
A section on specific conditions showed agency officials signed with eyes wide open.
The agreement stated the management system would require more detailed reporting.
It stated the audits would require desk review for implementation of corrective actions.
On management, it stated, “Medium to high risk increases the likelihood that grant revenues and expenditures will be inaccurate that could result in misreporting and an abusive environment.”
On audits, it stated, “Medium to high risk will result in repeated audit findings, potential questioned cost, and increase of administrative and programmatic specific conditions that will increase the cost or managing of the grant program.”
Citizen litigation over flooding of rain and sewage remains pending before U. S. District Judge David Dugan.
At a conference on Jan. 11, he set trial in October 2024.
He set the next conference for April.