DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The Trump Administration's freeze on federal funding is causing uncertainty in Central Illinois communities where rail and infrastructure projects are grinding to a halt even though money was granted previously from the Biden administration.
Amtrak passing the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois
“It’s that level of uncertainty that is creating panic in our communities,” Rep. Nikki Budzinski, (D-IL), told WAND News Friday in Decatur. Budzinski was visiting with mayors and local government brass to discuss funding issues created by the freeze.
“The way I look at it, these are commitments that the federal government has already appropriated,” Budzinski said. “Commitments that have been made to communities and we want to see that made good on.”
Among the projects where federal funding has been frozen is money for the high-speed rail and relocation project through Springfield along with grade improvements at crossings in Savoy and Edwardsville. Harristown is waiting for promised money for water service line improvements in their community.
Local mayors shared concerns affecting their communities during the meeting with Budzinski.
“Our water lines are plastic,” said Harristown Mayor Evelyn Deverell. “But they’ve been in the ground almost 55 years. Plastic, after a certain amount of time, does need to be replaced.”
Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
