Representative Mike Bost announced that the House has approved a funding package that allocates $7 million for infrastructure and emergency response projects in Southern Illinois. The legislation includes a 3.8% pay raise for military personnel, investments in education and healthcare, and funds to improve roads and infrastructure.
“This legislation will make a big difference for hardworking Americans, with a pay hike for our troops, investment in rural hospitals, support for students, and $200 million to expand access to safe truck parking – a priority I’ve fought for years to accomplish. I’m proud to say that, on top of all these important victories, we were able to secure funding to improve our roadways, restore critical infrastructure, and strengthen emergency response in Southern Illinois. These are real results that people will see and feel,” said Rep. Bost.
The targeted investments secured by Rep. Bost for Illinois’ 12th District include $2.2 million for the Village of Oblong’s South Range Street Replacement Project; $2 million for Washington County Emergency Management/OHS’s Emergency Operations Center; $1.3 million for West Side Transportation Improvements in the City of Flora; $900,000 for Poplar Street Restoration in Carbondale; and $540,000 to reconstruct N 600th Street in North Muddy Township.
Mike Bost has consistently won his congressional seat over several election cycles: In 2022 he defeated Chip Markel with 75% of the vote; in 2020 he beat Raymond Lenzi with just over 60%; in 2018 he won against Brendan Kelly with nearly 52%; in 2016 he prevailed over Charles Baricevic with about 54%; and in 2014 he defeated William L. Enyart with roughly 52%.
Further details about these Community Project Funding requests are available at https://bost.house.gov/2026/1/bost-secures-7-million-for-southern-illinois-infrastructure-and-emergency-response-projects.
