Belt applauds funding for two local outdoor trails

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt recently announced a total of $400,000 in funding for two outdoor trails in the 57^th District through the Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

“There is nothing better than to see frequently used outdoor spaces receive funds to improve their accessibility for residents,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Spending time outdoors has been proven to enhance our health and well-being, and it’s great we are allowing this to happen by making spaces like this more convenient and safe for everyone.”

The funds for the program come from a percentage of motor vehicle title fees, providing a maximum grant award of $200,000 per project for development projects, with no maximum grant award limit for land acquisition projects.

Madison County Transit District will receive $200,000 for the creation of a new trail, the Chain of Rocks Shared Use Path, which will benefit Madison County residents by having a safe, all-weather surfaced path for travel, commuting and recreation. St Clair County Transit District will receive $200,000 for the MetroBikeLink Extension. The trail will be expanded by three miles to enhance the growing trail system.

“These funds will allow Madison County Transit to significantly improve the walkability, ADA accessibility and connections to bus routes in this busy corridor,” said SJ Morrison, MCT managing director. “We are grateful to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois General Assembly for their ongoing commitment to safety and livability in Madison County.”

For more information about IDNR’s bike path grants and to see a list of the latest round of recipients, click here.

Belt urges residents to apply for utility assistance

EAST ST. LOUIS – Applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program opened Oct. 2. State Senator Christopher Belt is urging eligible families to apply for this program to receive assistance with natural gas, propane and electricity bills.

“LIHEAP is an excellent program the state offers for those who struggle to keep up with the high cost of energy bills,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I want everyone to be warm and safe as winter approaches, so I’m encouraging all eligible residents and families to take advantage of this program as soon as possible.”

Families whose combined income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, have a household with a senior or a child under age 6, and/or a person with a disability are now eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with eligible income thresholds can be found here.

Additional eligible households will be able to apply for assistance during upcoming application opening periods on Nov. 1 and Dec. 1. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 15, 2024 or until funds are exhausted. The energy bill assistance program offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2024 will provide $237 million to eligible families.

For more information or to apply to the program, visit HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or visit your local agency.

Belt receives award for advocating for volunteer firefighters

EAST ST. LOUIS – After years of pushing for a volunteer firefighter tax credit, State Senator Christopher Belt was able to secure a tax incentive for these volunteers in this year’s revenue package. Through his efforts and advocacy on the topic, Belt received an award from the St. Clair/Monroe County Fire Chiefs Association and MABAs Division 32.

“Volunteer firefighters are the backbone  of communities throughout Illinois,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “They selflessly dedicate their time ensuring our communities are kept safe in emergencies. Offering them a small tax incentive is just one way we can thank them and honor their service.”

A tax credit for volunteer firefighters was included in Senate Bill 1963, which passed both chambers earlier this year with bipartisan support. To qualify for the $500 tax credit, people must serve as a volunteer firefighter for at least nine months of the year and receive no more than $5,000 in compensation for their services during the taxable year.

“On behalf of the St. Clair/Monroe County Fire Chiefs Association and Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Division 32, I was pleased to present Senator Belt with a small token of appreciation at our meeting this week,” said Tom Elliff, fire chief/administrator of Signal Hill Fire Department. “Senator Belt has worked tirelessly in the best interest of the fire service to ensure that volunteer firefighters in the state are recognized for their efforts to help keep their communities safe. We hope this tax credit will add more to the efforts being done around the state to recruit and retain volunteers.”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter in your community, contact the fire chief of your local fire department.

Belt highlights funding for Cahokia Heights for housing and community revitalization

EAST ST. LOUIS – The City of Cahokia Heights will receive funding for affordable housing and community revitalization through the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Strong Communities Program, supported by State Senator Christopher Belt.

“Investing in affordable housing uplifts our community and boosts our local economy,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We are taking strong strides toward revitalization and attracting investments in the communities that need it most. Cahokia Heights residents deserve sustainable, livable housing options and this funding will help the area continue to grow.”

The Strong Communities Program is designed to support local revitalization efforts and attract further investment in communities that may lack the resources needed to tackle vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties.

A total of $19 million was approved by IHDA to support these revitalization efforts across Illinois. The grants are funded by the Rebuild Illinois capital plan and will leverage IHDA’s existing funding to increase property values, create jobs, help reduce crime, generate additional tax revenue and attract further community investment in underserved communities around the state. Cahokia Heights in Belt’s district is set to receive a total of $225,000.

“Vacant and abandoned properties continue to be a strain on local budgets and resources in communities throughout Illinois, which is why IHDA created the Strong Communities Program to assist local governments with their neighborhood revitalization efforts,” IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust said. “Through the Strong Communities Program, IHDA seeks to help communities transform these properties back into positive, revenue-generating assets for neighborhoods.”

A total of $30 million in grant funding has been awarded through two application rounds. For more information, visit IHDA’s website.