EAST ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Downtown Airport will receive $5 million in funding to benefit aircraft maintenance providers and support more than 450 high-tech aerospace manufacturing jobs at the airport, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) announced Thursday.

“St. Louis Downtown Airport is a vital economic engine in the Metro East,” Belt said. “I will continue working with Representative Latoya Greenwood to bring our tax money home from Springfield in order to maintain and create jobs in our area.” 

St. Louis Downtown Airport is the third busiest airport in the State of Illinois and was recognized by the Illinois Department Division of Aeronautics as the 2021 Reliever Airport of the Year. 

EAST ST. LOUIS – To discover ancient America with a new augmented reality application, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) encourages residents to visit Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.

“Museums not only showcase artifacts, but also keep our history safe and intact, and offer educational opportunities for students,” Belt said. “As times change, museums have to find new ways to keep visitors engaged. The new AR app brings a whole new experience to the Metro East.”

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site preserves remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico. Within the 2,200-acre tract, located a few miles west of Collinsville, lie the archaeological remnants of the central section of the ancient settlement.

EAST ST. LOUIS – To prepare for winter travel on Illinois roadways, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) are reminding Metro East commuters and families of the winter road conditions map on the Getting Around Illinois website.

“Accidents are more likely when the weather creates hazardous road conditions,” Belt said. “Getting Around Illinois is a great tool to ensure people are safe and prepared when traveling during the cold winter months.” 

Previously, the map displayed conditions by county. New this year, the map shows how weather events are impacting roads, including the ability to identify and zoom in to a location, travel route or destination with current information recorded by plow drivers.

EAST ST. LOUIS – This holiday season, Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and Representative LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis) are collecting toys to give children in need a special holiday surprise.

The toys will be collected now through Dec. 10. Toys for children of all ages can be dropped off at Belt’s office, located at Kenneth Hall Regional Office Building #10 Collinsville Ave., Suite 201A in East St. Louis. Residents can drop off toys Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.