FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CARBONDALE – A group, made up of local community leaders and regional economic development officials, met with Senator Dick Durbin this week to advocate for southern Illinois. The group, known as Connect Carbondale, meets with lawmakers in Washington, D.C, regularly to advocate for projects, funding, and other matters important to the region.
The City of Carbondale is honored to continue conversations with elected officials for the betterment of Carbondale and Southern Illinois.
Please see the press release below from Senator Dick Durbin’s Office:
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) met virtually with Mayor Mike Henry of Carbondale, Mayor Will Stephens of Murphysboro, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane, and local economic development officials to discuss the state and local funding included in the American Rescue Plan (ARP), local projects, and higher education issues. The legislation includes $13.7 billion in state and local funding for Illinois, with Jackson County receiving an estimated $11 million, Carbondale an expected $3 million, and $900,000 for Murphysboro.
“The pandemic created budget shortfalls for many local governments throughout Illinois,” Durbin said. “The funding provided by the American Rescue Plan will help avoid some of the biggest threats the revenue shortfalls posed to public health departments, first responders, and educators. Looking ahead, we have to prepare to make investments in transportation and water infrastructure, broadband, housing, schools, research and development, manufacturing, workforce development, and clean energy to keep our communities strong and aid local economic development.”
Durbin discussed several issues with officials during the virtual meeting, including infrastructure, Amtrak’s on-time performance, broadband service, and housing. More information on funding for Illinois in the ARP can be found here.
For more information, contact Public Relations Officer Roni LeForge at 618-559-1939.
"Carbondale prides itself on providing its visitors, students, businesses and residents with a unique mix of edge and ease. It's a cultural town, yet free of pretense, embracing the great outdoors as readily as urban sophistication. Here, we are open to new ideas, experiences and cultures, so you are encouraged to both express yourself and be yourself, in all ways. That's Carbondale…All Ways Open… for family, fun, business, new ideas and a bright tomorrow."
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