Southwest Illinois taking lead in public-private infrastructure funding

Southwest Illinois taking lead in public-private infrastructure funding
February 22, 2018 Jerry Vallely
Merchants Rail Bridge

This story was originally published in the Metro East Chronicle on February 21, 2018.


By Bob Pieper | Chronicle Media


“In the shadow of the Gateway Arch — which a half century ago helped to establish the modern model for the financing of public works — Metro East leaders say a pair of key redevelopment projects may now be helping to launch a new era in infrastructure financing; with private-sector businesses called on to foot a portion of the bill.

Even as President Donald Trump was formally announcing plans for a new public-private partnership infrastructure program, during his Jan. 30 State of the Union Address, a public-private funding plan for the replacement of the Merchant’s Bridge across the Mississippi River was already awaiting federal approval.

Phase 1 construction in East St. Louis’ new River Bridge District —jointly funded by the federal government, the State of Illinois, St. Clair County and local businesses — is already nearing completion…”

Read More