These St. Clair County-owned buildings were affected by flooding. Cleanup is underway
From the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds to the courthouse and the animal control building, St. Clair County-owned properties throughout Belleville were affected by Tuesday’s flooding.
St. Clair County Buildings Director Jim Brede on Thursday briefed the board that manages those properties about the effects of the latest heavy rainstorm to hit southwestern Illinois.
He told the Public Building Commission members that the St. Clair County Animal Services building, which includes animal control and a pet adoption center, was the hardest hit property yet again. Water was up to 4 or 5 feet in some areas of the property on Tuesday. Employees and volunteers worked throughout the storm to move dogs and cats to safety at the Belleville Area Humane Society and foster homes.
Another storm in July 2022 also caused flooding at animal services. Soon after that, the county purchased land at 1123 Comwest Parkway in Belleville to construct a new building away from its flood-prone location at 1250 S. 11th St., which sits in a low-lying area.
County officials hope to start advertising for construction bids in September or October and sign a contract with a builder in November or December, Brede said in an interview after Thursday’s meeting. He estimated construction on the new animal services building could take another year to complete after that.
The Belle-Clair Fairgrounds property at 200 South Belt East also had a few feet of water during Tuesday’s storm, according to Brede. About 18 inches of water got inside the expo center building.
Brede said cleanup at the fairgrounds and animal services started on Wednesday. The estimated cost of that work wasn’t immediately available.
St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern issued a county disaster declaration on Tuesday. Since then, officials have been gathering information about property damage in the county for possible federal aid.
Meanwhile, animal services administrators are setting up temporary offices at another county-owned property, the former Auffenberg used car lot at 1120 S. Illinois St.
The fairgrounds’ monthly flea market has been canceled for July 20-21.
Other county buildings in Belleville had less severe flooding, including:
Some seepage into the sub-basement and lobby of the St. Clair County Courthouse and administration building at 10 Public Square.
A backup in the basement of the St. Clair County 911 Telephone System Board building at 101 S. First St.
This story was originally published July 18, 2024 at 3:38 PM.
