East St. Louis receives nearly $1M from state to improve lighting, install cameras
East St. Louis is among the latest recipients of funds from a state program aimed at helping businesses and communities alleviate property damages caused from social unrest in 2020.
The city received a $900,000 grant from the Rebuild Distressed Communities program, according to a press release Tuesday afternoon.
The funds will be used to improve lighting and install security cameras in the city’s business district on State Street.
“East St. Louis is excited to utilize the funding provided by this program to repaint the narrative of our community,” East St. Louis Mayor Robert Eastern III said in the press release. “This resource will be used to expand our efforts to enhance lighting along city streets and to provide new security cameras on one of the city’s busiest and most vibrant corridors, the State Street business district.”
Rebuild Distressed Communities is a $25 million economic recovery program created by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The program was launched in response to the civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. Along with funding being available for small businesses that experienced property damage from social unrest, funding is also available for communities to address long-term needs in commercial corridors that were also affected by social unrest in 2020.
East St. Louis was among the second round grantees for the program’s corridor improvement project.
City officials could not be immediately reached for comment on when funds will be used and the extent of property damages the city experienced in 2020.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
This story was originally published February 8, 2022 at 5:03 PM.
