BELLEVILLE – Two transit providers in Belleville were awarded more than $900,000 to offer safe, reliable and accessible transportation options, thanks to support from State Senator Christopher Belt and State Representative Jay Hoffman.

“These new vehicles will play a crucial role in expanding transportation services and improving mobility for residents in our community,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Access to transportation is fundamental to our quality of life and this funding is investing in the well-being of our residents who need transportation assistance.”

Through the Consolidated Vehicle Procurement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, more than 500 paratransit vehicles valued at $57.1 million have been awarded to 113 transit providers. The vehicles will be delivered to public transportation providers as well as nonprofit organizations serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.

SPRINGFIELD – To assist communities in meeting water service line identification and inventory requirements, State Senator Christopher Belt is emphasizing a fourth funding opportunity for the Lead Service Line Inventory Grant Program announced by the Illinois EPA.

“Lead contamination poses a serious threat to public health, and with another round of funding announced, more communities can take advantage of this program to ensure they have access to safe and clean water,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I urge communities in need to apply for this funding and prioritize their efforts toward addressing lead contamination in their water systems.”

The Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act requires owners and operators of community water supplies in Illinois to submit a complete water service line material inventory for the Illinois EPA’s approval no later than April 15, 2024. A detailed inventory will allow communities to prioritize and strategize the replacement of known lead service lines within their water distribution system.

The Lead Service Line Inventory Grant Program offers grants up to $50,000 to units of local government to fund the creation of a complete lead service line inventory. The latest round – funded through the federal bipartisan infrastructure law – will build on the 260 grants previously issued to communities across the state, totaling nearly $10 million.

“As the deadline approaches for community water supplies to submit complete material inventories, we know many supplies are still in need of financial assistance to meet this mandate,” said Illinois EPA Director John Kim. “We encourage any system that is still working toward identifying the composition of their public water supply infrastructure to seek funding through this program.”

Applications for the LSLI Grant Program will be accepted until funding has been expended. Eligible entities can find more information about the program and apply on the Illinois EPA website.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement regarding the governor’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget address Wednesday:

“The governor’s proposed budget is a good step in ongoing budget discussions and includes funding for many key components important to our community. 

“I appreciate that violence prevention and public safety remain a priority in the governor’s proposal this year. It is crucial we continue to invest our communities, specifically those with limited resources, so we can reduce crime and keep our neighborhoods safe. As the chair of the Senate Appropriations - Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee, it is my duty to ensure we prioritize funding in these areas.

“Education at all levels was another big priority in the proposal, which is always good to see. Our children and young adults are the future of this state and it is essential to keep putting money into our education system.

“The $10 million increase in additional funding for the Illinois Grocery Initiative was another big win in today’s address. Fighting food insecurity has remained a top priority of mine, and this will ensure residents have access to fresh, affordable food.”

“The proposed budget sets a foundation for legislators to further negotiate a final plan over the next few months. I’m looking forward to putting in the effort to ensure our community’s needs are prioritized in this year’s budget.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt is encouraging local grocers to apply for funding through the Illinois Grocery Initiative for the purchase of updated energy-efficient equipment.

“There are many factors that play a part in operating a successful grocery store,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Through the Equipment Upgrades Grant Program, our local grocery stores have the opportunity to receive funding to aid in purchasing necessary, updated equipment.”

Rising energy costs lead to outdated equipment, which presents a major expense for small community grocers. Under the Equipment Upgrades Program, eligible grocers can apply for grants to upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment; refrigeration units and freezers; lighting systems; and other systems providing significant energy savings.

Eligible grocers should apply online by March 25. In order to support the businesses most in-need, grocers must be independently-owned with fewer than 500 employees and no more than four grocery stores. Grocery stores located in food deserts as defined by the USDA map will be given priority.

The Equipment Upgrades Program is the first program to be rolled out as a part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative’s efforts to address food insecurity by supporting local grocers and reducing food deserts.

“We need to consider all that goes into functioning grocers and provide them with help in any way we can,” said Belt. “Upgrading store equipment is a step in the right direction to ensuring we have accessible grocers to help combat food insecurity.”

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will hold webinars to assist applicants on Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. and Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. Learn more about the Illinois Grocery Initiative here.