Metro East Sun

U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) announced that $1.4 million in federal funding for three local projects has been included in the Continuing Resolution passed by Congress to reopen the government. The funds, once signed into law by the President, will be directed toward water infrastructure improvements in Sesser and public safety initiatives in Mt. Vernon and Effingham.

“Part of good government is ensuring the health and safety of the people we represent,” said Bost. “These investments will help ensure families have access to safe drinking water, firefighters can train more effectively, and first responders have the modern facilities they need to protect lives and property. I’m proud to have worked with our local leaders to make these projects a reality.”

The Jefferson Fire Protection District in Mt. Vernon will receive $253,365 for a new fire station headquarters and regional training facility designed to simulate real-world fire scenarios in modern residential structures. This facility aims to improve readiness and hands-on training for firefighters serving a 230-square-mile district across multiple towns and rural areas.

In Sesser, $471,000 is allocated for Phase 3 of water system improvements. The project will replace about 2,500 feet of aging cast iron and asbestos cement water mains with new PVC piping to enhance water safety, reliability, and overall system performance for residents.

The Effingham Fire Department will get $700,000 for its platform ladder truck replacement project. This funding allows the department to replace its 25-year-old platform ladder truck with a modern vehicle that will strengthen firefighting and rescue capabilities, especially for vulnerable populations in multi-story residential and healthcare facilities.

Mike Bost has represented Illinois’s 12th congressional district since winning his first election in 2014 against William L. Enyart with 52.5% of the vote. He has subsequently won reelection several times: defeating Charles Baricevic in 2016 (54.3%), Raymond Lenzi in 2020 (60.4%), Brendan Kelly in 2018 (51.6%), and Chip Markel in 2022 with a substantial margin of victory at 75%.

More information about this announcement can be found at https://bost.house.gov/2025/11/bost-delivers-on-local-public-safety-infrastructure-projects