EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) is encouraging local businesses to apply for the second wave of Back to Business grants, which closes on Oct. 13.

“Throughout the pandemic, our small businesses have remained assets to the Metro East community, despite all the struggles they faced,” Belt said. “It’s important for us all to be gracious to those who showed up, and for those businesses to get the aid they deserve from our government.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – To promote the Back to Business Grant Program, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) is inviting small business owners to participate in an informational webinar about eligibility and the application process.

Belt is partnering with Representatives LaToya Greenwood and Jay Hoffman, along with business leaders from Small Business Development Centers and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to host a free webinar for small business owners who need assistance applying for the Back to Business grant program at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6.

EAST ST.LOUIS – Six projects totaling nearly $90 million to improve safety while creating jobs are underway or starting soon in the Metro East, State Senators Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) announced Thursday.

“As a resident and representative of the Metro East, I applaud the steps Illinois continues to take to ensure our roads are safe,” Belt said. “This funding improves the area’s infrastructure while creating good jobs.”

The following projects are set to be completed this year, with the remainder to be completed in 2022:

• Interstate 70 resurfacing and bridge painting from Interstate 55/70 to east of Interstate 55/70/270 as well as I-55/70 from east of Illinois 159 to north of Interstate 270
• Poplar Street Bridge improvements, including pavement patching, concrete overlay, deck repairs and bridge joint replacements
• Illinois 111/3 resurfacing and patching from Alby Street to Broadway in Alton
• Illinois 3 resurfacing from north of Monsanto Avenue to south of Ruby Street in Cahokia
• I-270 at Illinois 111 interchange reconstruction
• Illinois 157 resurfacing from State Street in East St. Louis to Petroff Drive

“As our state progresses on the road to economic recovery, these local infrastructure investments come at a critical time for the Metro East,” Crowe said. “By updating local roads and bridges, we can ensure dependable modes of transportation for commuters and families while creating labor jobs for residents.”

Over the next six years, the Illinois Department of Transportation is planning to improve more than 3,535 miles of highway and 9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois program with investments of up to $33 billion.

When construction is underway, drivers should anticipate delays and may wish to seek alternate routes. Belt and Crowe encourage drivers to obey posted construction zone speed limits and watch out for workers on construction projects.

More information and maps on the impact of Rebuild Illinois can be found at idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois. A list of the ongoing and upcoming projects in the Metro East can be found on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – After countless hours of negotiations, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement in support of the comprehensive energy package that prioritizes jobs in the energy workforce:

“As we move toward making Illinois a national leader in the clean energy conversation, we are ensuring families who rely on energy-related jobs are protected. This landmark legislation prioritizes the hardworking people of Illinois’ energy industry.  

“The measure addresses the economic impacts the coal plant closures have on both workers and the economy. It is essential that Illinoisans are assured they will be able to provide for their families.

“The health and safety of all residents is our first priority. I’m proud to have come to a deal that makes Illinois a national leader in the ongoing energy crisis, while also prioritizing jobs.”